Thanks, but no thanks - India's 'Usain Bolt' buffalo runner turns down sprint trial

In this photo taken on January 31, 2020, Srinivas Gowda, 28, hailing from the Dakshina Kannada district, runs alongside his buffalos during 'Kambala', the traditional buffalo racing event, held at Aikala village in Dakshina Kannada district about 30 kms from Mangalore. AFPShow less

A buffalo jockey in India has politely declined the chance to take part in a track and field trial for the Tokyo Olympics after his record-setting performance in a traditional footrace drew comparisons with Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt.

Srinivas Gowda, 28, and his buffaloes ran 142.5 metres in 13.62 seconds, setting a record in the annual race known as 'Kambala' in the southern state of Karnataka and turned the construction worker from the Dakshina Kannada district into an overnight social media sensation.

Gowda's split time over 100m equates to 9.55 seconds. Bolt's world record over the distance stands at 9.58secs.

But with the Tokyo Olympics looming in July, the Sports Authority of India in Bangalore were keen for Gowda to take part in a trial for the Summer Games.

However, Gowda politely declined the invite.

"I will not be attending trials at Sports Authority of India. I want to achieve more in Kambala," Gowda told Indian media.

"Kambala and track events are different and those who have done well in one cannot replicate in the other.

"Many who have achieved in track events have tried Kambala and have not been successful. In Kambala we run on heels whereas in track it is on toes."

Kambala is an annual race where racers splash 142m through paddy fields holding a rope attached to two buffaloes, who run ahead of them.

Many users have noted that the runners are pulled along by the buffaloes, who are lashed together.

"Never in my dream did I think that I would be so famous. The credit should go to my buffaloes," said Gowda.

"I could achieve this only because they cooperated with me."