BEIJING—Usain Bolt’s extraordinary record-breaking feats here at the Olympics in the 100 and 200 meters have everything to do with his remarkably laid-back attitude to life and also a bizarre diet of chicken nuggets and yams.

The Jamaican, who turned 22 on Thursday, has admitted he failed initially to realize his natural talent as a junior—when aged just 15, he became the youngest ever world junior champion in Kingston—because he loved to go out and party and enjoy his favorite pastime of dancing.

“Regarding the partying, well you grow up and see the bigger picture,” he confessed.

“It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. I decided it was time to change, not everything, only a little,” added Bolt, who conceded that the partying was mainly focused on dancing, not drinking.

Bolt, who like most Jamaicans played cricket until his coach recommended he take up athletics instead, has taken his laid-back image onto the track, entertaining the crowd with his repertoire of signals and impromptu jigs.

“I just chill, I don’t try and think too much about the race,” said Bolt, who revealed that prior to the 100m he had eaten chicken nuggets.

“I just relax and try to think about cars or something like that.”

The transformation in his attitude has come about ever since he linked up with coach Glen Mills four years ago.

Mills helped him to regain his self-belief after suffering several injuries.

“I never really doubted, I worried a little bit after two years of injuries,” said Bolt, who took his first senior medal last year with a 200m silver at the world championships.

“However, things changed dramatically when I joined up with Glen.”

Bolt placed his faith in Mills with the coach advising on the wisdom of a Beijing sprint double.

“He (Mills) is like a father figure to me. He has never done me any wrong and he has always made the right decisions,” Bolt said.