Zealous, meticulous and stupendous, the six time Olympic champion is world’s most marketable athlete.
The ‘fastest person ever’ is a normal guy from another planet. Face of Jamaica, Usain Bolt has lit up every stadium with his sprint.
He is a whirlwind who has transformed the dying sport into one of the most watched events.
Early Life
Usain St. Leo Bolt was born on August 21, 1986 in Trelawny, Jamaica. Obsessed with sports, Bolt spent his time playing cricket and football as a kid.
As a primary school student, he took his first steps to athletics by entering regional races. By his 12th birthday, he had established himself as one of the fastest sprinters in the area. Waldensia Primary and William Knibb Memorial High School were his alma mater.
Career
Bolt made his first appearance on the world stage at the 2001 IAAF World Youth Championships where he set a couple of records. After a successful campaign in the 2002 World Junior Championships, Bolt turned pro in 2004.
His chances of winning at the 2004 Athens Olympics were hampered by a leg injury. Injuries troubled him for another three years.
After doing well in the World Championships at Osaka, his golden run began at the Beijing Olympics. He was the first to grab on to the 100m and 200m gold medals. Bolt’s performance turned him into a global talking point.
He became the first to achieve a “double double” at consecutive Olympics by winning 100 m and 200 m titles at the London Olympics in 2012. His international reputation rocketed with his signature “lightning bolt” pose.
Honors
Jamaica Sportsman of the year: 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012
IAAF World Athlete of the Year: 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013