Usain Bolt Bio And Facts

Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt is often regarded as the “fastest man alive” for his outrageous speed and consistent success in short sprint races on the track. Bolt has amassed 20 world titles, split between several world championships and Olympic gold medals. Born in Jamaica, Bolt displayed a love for sports from a very young age, and stood out to cricket coaches for his speed, who then suggested he move to track and field. 

After eye-catching performances at the high school and world junior level, Bolt went on to compete at several world championships and the 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympic Games. At the Olympics, Bolt became the first to ever win three consecutive golds in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m races (His 2016 gold in the 4x100m was later stripped because of a teammates’ failed drug test). Usain Bolt holds the world record in all three of these sprint events.

• Birthday: August 21, 1986 (21-08-1986)
• Education: The University of the West Indies-Mona
• Net Worth: $90 million
• Occupation: Professional Track & Field Athlete
• Height: 6’5” (1.96m)
• Weight: 207 lbs (93.89 kg)
• Position: Sprinter
• Years Active: 16
• Career Wins: 11x world champion, 100m & 200m world record holder, 9x Olympic Gold Medallist
• Nicknames: Lightning Bolt, Fastest Man Alive
• Teams: Team Jamaica

Social Media

• Twitter
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Snapchat
• Foundation Website

Running Career

Usain Bolt’s running career began in his early teens, where he made a name for himself as a bright young sprinter. However, early in high school, Bolt spent more time playing cricket and soccer, where he stood out for his outstanding pace. It was here that his coaches advised him to focus on running, and he shifted to the guidance of coaches of Pablo McNeil and Dwayne Narrett.

In 2001, Bolt began to make a name for himself on the global stage. That year, he represented Jamaica at the CARIFTA games and the World Youth Championships, where he earned very respectable silver medals. By just 15 years old, Bolt was already near his final height of 6’ 5”. He had several doubters because of his height, but he shattered any doubts once he equalled and later broke the world junior record in the 200m (20.13 seconds, 19.93 seconds).

Usain Bolt went on to fight a few injuries in his career, but nothing that stopped him from being at the very front of the spotlight for the length of his professional career. Bolt starred for Jamaica at 3 Olympic Games and several world championship events. He retired from the sport of running after the 2017 world championships.

Titles and Awards

Usain Bolt’s medal and trophy case has earned him the title of perhaps the greatest sprinter of all time. Likely his greatest and best known achievement is running the fastest 100m of all time, in a blistering 9.58 seconds. He also holds the world record for the 200m (19.19) and 4x100m relay (36.84).

Aside from being a world record holder, Bolt dominated the sprinting world during his professional career, and became the first to ever win the 100-200 double at three consecutive Olympics. His total Olympic tally boasts 8 gold medals.

However, his world championship performances may be even more impressive. From August 2008 to August 2016, Bolt won 11 of the 12 races that he entered. After 2008, Bolt has only lost to 4 separate men in both the 100m and 200m races; only 4 men have ever finished ahead of Usain Bolt in an individual sprint (post 2008).

Personal Life

Usain St. Leo Bolt was born on August 21, 1986, in Trelawny, Jamaica to Jennifer and Wellesley Bolt. His parents were both grocers, and Usain, along with his brother Sadeeki and sister Shrine helped them run the business. Bolt was always enveloped by sports at a young age, and was in fact a skilled cricket and soccer player in his youth. However, during his high school days his coaches pointed him to track and field where he would truly be a star.

Bolt revealed in an autobiography that he suffered from scoliosis, making his left leg a half-inch shorter than his right. It is unknown whether this condition had a great effect on his extraordinary performance levels. He has been known to be Catholic, making the sign of the cross before races throughout his career. Bolt is not yet married, but has had a longtime girlfriend in Kasi Bennett. On May 17, 2020, Usain Bolt and Kasi Bennett welcomed the birth of their first child and daughter, Olympia Lightning Bolt.

Fun Facts

• After his running career, Usain Bolt signed for the Central Coast Mariners of the Australian A-League professional soccer league. He scored a few goals and retired from soccer after a year of training.
• Usain Bolt was the first teenager to break 20 seconds in the 200m dash. As of 2020, there have only been 3 others to do so.
• Usain Bolt is the highest paid sprinter of all time, with a networth of nearly $100 million.
• Bolt reached a speed of 27.8 mph during his world record 100m, the fastest recorded human speed of all time.
• Usain Bolt says Call of Duty is his favorite video game.
• Bolt is an avid fan of cricket and soccer, and played both during his youth.
• Usain Bolt is one of few people to win world championships at the youth, junior, and senior levels.

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