In this publication, you will read about the greatest runner ever. 11-time champion. Triple gold in Rio Olympic games 2016. This isn’t luck. Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for 4 years. The man from a rural community in Jamaica. Who managed to win the hearts and love of people from all around the world. The man who without a doubt lived up to his last name. This is the story of Usain Bolt.
The Beginning
Usain St. Leo Bolt was born on August 21, 1986, to Wellesley and Jennifer Bolt. He grew up in Sherwood Content, Trelawny, Jamaica. Usain attended Waldensia Primary and then later William Knibb Memorial High School. He loved cricket but was urged by his cricket coach to consider track and field because of his speed. Imagine tracks without Bolt? That’s a hard thing to imagine even for a second.
Not known to many, Usain was actually diagnosed with scoliosis. This has resulted in his spine being curved to the right and his right leg is 1/2 inch shorter than his left. Researchers have been conducting studies to find out if this condition has been to Bolt’s benefit in his speed or an actual limitation.
Usain began capturing attention after winning the 2002 Western Champs title for the 200m. The young Bolt cruised to an impressive 20.3 seconds. I have always wondered about his true top speed. Imagine if he were to ever just run without easing up meters away from the line. He went on to secure 4 gold medals at the CARIFTA meet in the Bahamas.
Usain kept on Bolting to the top by securing another gold for the 200m at the 2002 IAAF World Junior T&F Championships in Kingston.
The Journey
They say, anything worth having or doing will come with hard work and setbacks. Usain was not exempted from that. He suffered from a hamstring injury at the 2004 CARIFTA Games after breaking the Junior World Record, clocking 19.93 seconds. He had more woes when the same injury caused him to pull up in the 2005 IAAF World Championships 200m in Finland. That wasn’t all though. In 2006 he had another hamstring injury, causing him to miss the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Australia.
Sometimes we think that our load is too heavy, especially when we are trying to make the most out of life. And that’s true, life can weigh you down at times but remember every great person had to bear their load too. The idea that life is a smooth journey is hardly even seen in fairytales. We must then find ways to handle real life. Pivot, try again, go back to the drawing board… do whatever we have to do.
After the setbacks, Usain Bolt recovered and secured second place in the 200m with a personal best of 19.88 seconds at the 2006 IAAF World Cup of Athletics in Germany. Then came 2008, when he struck the world by shattering World Records. And again in 2009, shattering his own record by running 9.58 in the 100m finals in Beijing. Fashion brand Zara used that 9.58 record to make two colognes; silver and gold editions. To this date the gold has been the best cologne, I have ever used. I don’t see it anymore but this is what it used to look like:
Usain is the fastest man with or without gravity. When he’s home. He loves to play video games, domino, and football. He’s a huge supporter of England’s Manchester United football team. He loves sports cars and bikes. You just might spot him in a game of netball. This guy knows how to have fun. That’s probably the thing I admire the most about him.
It really is a blessing to have good people around you. Usain’s business affairs are managed by his best friend Nugent Walker (NJ). Over the years, he has helped Bolt in securing deals and in his decision-making process. Through the Usain Bolt Foundation, they have helped a lot of people in many ways. They have given hundreds of students the opportunity to get an education through donations such as laptops, building schools, and more. Bolt hosts an annual treat for the children in his hometown where they receive gifts and school supplies. After the 2008 Olympic games Bolt donated $50,000 USD to help children in China who were victims of an earthquake that year.
Now at 35, Usain is a fairly new dad but a superb one. He has 3 children with partner Kasi Bennett. They have a daughter named Olympia Lightning Bolt and twin boys named Saint Leo and Thunder.
Certainly Not The End
These days Usain is inking up deals all over the world. One of the most interesting ones is his NFT deal with Autograph. If you don’t know about NFTs then check out my publication explaining them. Bolt is in real estate, building a solid foundation for himself and generations to come. Bolt has a partnership with Hublot, a high-end watchmaker. He has a line of sneakers with puma and is even involved in a mobile business, Bolt Mobility.
Once there is music you can bet that you will see Usain moving. He is always djing. And that is why his latest move is no surprise to me…He’s now a recording artist and music producer. His best friend NJ sings/Dj on tracks too. You can buy their album today.
Some may question this newfound career but what do you do when you have worked hard? Live your best life, and that is exactly what the Ugo Boss seems to be doing.
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