There are a few athletes who have achieved the feat Usain Bolt has easily held on to. On a singular purpose of running for the medals, he bolted through the tracks of several race tracks and broke records in his way, even his own records, to be called the ‘Lightning Bolt’ by the world. Sprinting through his time on the track before retiring, he has literally set the sky as the limit for the coming generations.
Coming from a small Jamaican village, born on 21st August 1986, he had keen interest in almost every sport, from a young age, and often playing football and cricket with his siblings. Excelling in school sports events, his school coach advised him to try out sprinting. Taking up the advice, he started participating in regional events, in the 2001 CARIFTA Games under 400m category he cloaked his personal best with 48.28 secs and claimed a silver medal. Then onwards, he took part in many such regional tournaments like 2002 World Junior Championships, 2003 CARIFTA Games, 2003 Pan America Junior Championships, eventually with his exceptional skills garnering recognition he took the competition to international levels.
Debuting in the international level in 2004, participating in the CARIFTA Games in Bermuda, he did not look back anymore, setting and breaking records almost simultaneously. From World Records to Olympics to World Championships, he has relentlessly clinched on to the medals. He has to his name 11 World Championships Golds, 8 Olympic Golds, and world record of 9.58 seconds in 100m race and in 200m race with a cloaking time of 19.19 seconds making Jamaica stand tall in the World.
He concluded his sprinting career as the most successful athlete, after the 2017 World Championships where he finished 3rd in the solo 100m race after holding the record in 100m, 200m, 4X100m relay with gold medals in 3 consecutive Olympic games. His decision was in accordance with his desire to professionally engage in Football and with the dream of playing for Manchester United someday, if possible.
A relaxed man, having keen interest in dancing and music genres including Reggae and a distinct knack for video games such as ‘Call of Duty’; Usain Bolt’s track record convinced the world otherwise. Bolt’s love for any sport have never wavered when he turns 33, and it can be clearly seen in his confidence and enthusiasm on the track as well as in his spirits.
