Alex Rance might be one of the biggest stars in the AFL, but he was in awe when he had the chance to meet the fastest man in history, Usain Bolt.
Bolt, who was at the Puma store in Melbourne for a jumper presentation, left Rance and fellow Tigers Brandon Ellis, Sam Lloyd and Daniel Rioli starstruck.
Rance declared himself a huge Bolt fan.
“He’s a rare breed,” Rance said.
“I don’t think anyone will be as fast as him. And he’s a true champion of not only the sport, but he’s a great ambassador for Puma and everyone else that goes around him.”
Rance and his Tiger teammates presented Bolt with a special Yellow and Black guernsey that featured his 100-metre world record time of 9.58 seconds as the number on the back.
While the Richmond players – along with just about every sports fan worldwide – are familiar with the eight-time Olympic gold medallist's best work, Bolt revealed the reverse might also be true.
"I've been to three games overall and I've seen the game on TV a couple of times … it was good," Bolt said.
“I’m the No. 1 Jamaican membership card holder, so, yes, I’m now a big fan (of Richmond).”
The 100-metre and 200-metre world record holder is in town for the Nitro Athletics competition and with his height (1.95 metres) and speed (covering 100 metres in 9.58 seconds), even the AFL's most athletic big men pale in comparison.
Tigers Alex Rance, Daniel Rioli, Brandon Ellis and Sam Lloyd with Usain Bolt. Picture: Getty Images
Alex Rance mimics Usain Bolt's famous post-race celebration pose. Picture: Getty Images
Rance up close and personal with the world's fastest man. Picture: Getty Images
