The 2024 Olympic Games began more than a week ago, with the opening ceremony taking place in Paris on July 26. Since then, some of the world’s best athletes have competed in the French capital, showcasing their incredible skills, but for the more nostalgic fans, something is missing.
Indeed, as with everything in life, it is hard to forget what once made an impact on you. That’s why fans who grew up watching athletes like Michael Phelps or Usain Bolt feel that the Olympic Games have become somewhat diluted since these legends stopped competing. Nevertheless, their legacy remains intact thanks to the records and medals they achieved in their time.
Usain Bolt’s Career
The name Usain Bolt began to resonate in the early 2000s, when the Jamaican became the youngest athlete to win a gold medal at the U-20 World Championship. He soon demonstrated his potential and attended the Athens Olympics in 2004 at just 18 years old. However, in his first Olympic appearance, he was eliminated in the first round due to an injury.
When it seemed that his career could be derailed because of physical problems, Bolt trained harder than ever. Thanks to his preparation and incredible physique, over the following years, the Jamaican became the greatest sprinter in history, winning eleven world titles spread across the 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015 championships.
Bolt in the Olympic Games
The legend of Usain Bolt was especially forged at the Olympic Games. Although he did not manage to win a medal in Athens 2004, ‘Lightning Bolt’ has a total of eight Olympic medals, all of them gold.
Beijing 2008 was his grand introduction to the world, as he set world records in the 100 meters and 200 meters sprints, which obviously made him win his first two gold medals. In London 2012, he again won gold in both categories and added another gold medal in the 4×100 meters relay. At his last Olympics, Rio de Janeiro 2016, he continued to make history by finishing first in all three events.
World Record
In addition to his incredible achievements, Usain Bolt is considered the fastest man in the world because he holds the world record for the 100 meters. The Jamaican broke the record in Beijing 2008 by running 9.69 seconds in the 100-meter final, and not satisfied with that, he surpassed himself again at the 2009 World Athletics Championship in Berlin. That year, he recorded a time of 9.58 seconds, a mark that no one has come close to.
Moreover, Bolt also holds the world record in the 200 meters and in the 4×100 meters relay. For the latter, he needed the help of the Jamaican team, with which he achieved 36.84 seconds at the London 2012 Olympics.
What Happened to Him
Since his retirement from athletics in 2017, Usain Bolt has tried his luck in various fields. On one hand, he has created his own clothing brand and ventured into the world of eSports, but his entrepreneurial side has not completely overshadowed the athlete within.
Shortly after stepping away from competition, he was seen training with football teams such as Borussia Dortmund. In 2018, Bolt signed with the Australian football team Central Coast Mariners in an attempt to become a professional footballer, playing three matches and scoring two goals. A year later, he played a game with the Norwegian team Strømsgodset IF, which was his last attempt at being a footballer.
Currently, Bolt himself has stated that he is focused on being a good father to his children, while balancing his family life with managing several businesses.