Usain Bolt
The greatest sprinter of all time, an eight-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder.
Usain St. Leo Bolt (born 21 August 1986) is a Jamaican retired sprinter. Widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time, he is an eight-time Olympic gold medalist and the world record holder in the 100 metres, 200 metres, and 4 × 100 metres relay.
Quick Facts
- Olympic gold medals
- 8
Lore & Background
Bolt is the only sprinter to win Olympic 100 m and 200 m titles at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012, and 2016). He also won two 4 × 100 relay gold medals. He gained worldwide fame for his double sprint victory in world record times at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which made him the first person to hold both records since fully automatic time became mandatory. An eleven-time World Champion, Bolt won consecutive World Championship 100 m, 200 m and 4 × 100 metres relay gold medals from 2009 to 2015, with the exception of a 100 m false start in 2011. He is the most successful male athlete of the World Championships. He is the first athlete to win four World Championship titles in the 200 m and is one of the most successful in the 100 m with three titles, being the first person to run sub-9.7s and sub-9.6s races. Bolt improved upon his second 100 m world record of 9.69 with 9.58 seconds in 2009 – the biggest improvement since the start of electronic timing. He has twice broken the 200 metres world record, setting 19.30 in 2008 and 19.19 in 2009. He has helped Jamaica to three 4 × 100 metres relay world records, with the current record being 36.84 seconds set in 2012. Bolt's most successful event is the 200 m, with three Olympic and four World titles. The 2008 Olympics was his international debut over 100 m; he had earlier won numerous 200 m medals (including 2007 World Championship silver) and held the world under-20 and world under-18 records for the event until being surpassed by Erriyon Knighton in 2021.
Reader's Guide
His achievements as a sprinter have earned him the media nickname 'Lightning Bolt', and his awards include the IAAF World Athlete of the Year, Track & Field Athlete of the Year, BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year (three times), and Laureus World Sportsman of the Year (four times). Bolt was included in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2016. Bolt retired after the 2017 World Championships, when he finished third in his last solo 100 m race, opted out of the 200 m, and pulled up injured in the 4 × 100 m relay final.
Frequently Asked Questions
What events did Usain Bolt compete in?
His primary focus was on the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, alongside contributing to the 4x100-meter relay team. He currently holds the individual world records for both distances, clocking in at 9.58 seconds and 19.19 seconds respectively.
Why is Usain Bolt considered an icon?
Bolt transformed track and field into a global celebration by bringing unprecedented joy and excitement to the sport through his unique personality. He stands alone as the only runner to win gold in both the 100m and 200m across three straight Olympic tournaments, securing his place as an icon.
What nationality is Usain Bolt?
Usain Bolt proudly represented Jamaica throughout his entire professional career, becoming a national phenomenon and symbol of pride for the island nation. His success helped elevate the profile of Caribbean athletics on the international stage significantly.
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