“The race that stands out was the 2002 World Junior Champs 200m final in Kingston,” said Usain Bolt—considered the fastest man alive—when asked by Track & Field News which of his races he is most proud of. “I was only 15, was so nervous that I didn’t want to run and put my spikes on the wrong feet… When I came through that and won [setting a World Youth Record] I said to myself that I should never worry about a race again.”
Usain Bolt, born in Jamaica in 1986, successfully accomplished his mission to become the greatest sprinter of all time. Standing 6-foot-5, he is also the largest elite sprinter in modern times. He is an eight-time Olympic gold medalist and the world record holder in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4 x 100 meters relay. Bolt is also the only sprinter to win the Olympic 100m and 200m titles at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012, and 2016).
Bolt followed through with his goal of being relaxed and not worrying at races—perhaps almost going too far. He nearly lost his sponsorship with Puma as there was concern that he wasn’t taking the races seriously enough. “It can be difficult to recall too that Bolt was not considered a nailed-on favorite in his first Olympic final in Beijing,” reported the BBC News, “before the stories of pre-race meals of chicken nuggets and mid-race untied shoelaces had added wonder to the world record that followed.”
In a Thought Economics interview, Bolt stated: “I am a proud Jamaican who can run fast and make people smile. I try to be myself whether I am hanging out with my friends or on the world stage. I try to enjoy life and treat people with respect.” En route to accomplishing his mission of sprinting greatness, Bolt has also enjoyed the ride. As the BBC News reported: “Swaying, dancing and posing before and after races, he looks like he’s having a great time and the sense of fun is infectious… he appears to have all the time in the world for fans and journalists once his business is complete.”
Bolt has also said, “I don’t just want to be the fastest man in the world. I want to be remembered as the greatest.” As part of his 20+ year sponsorship deal with Puma, the manufacturer sends sporting equipment to his alma mater, William Knibb Memorial High School, every year.
