Discover 15 fascinating facts about Usain Bolt that might surprise you

Discover 15 fascinating facts about Usain Bolt that might surprise you

Lenah Ann
May 17, 2024 at 11:20 PM
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Usain Bolt is a retired Jamaican professional sprinter and the world's greatest sprinter in history. The sports legend holds the world records for 100 metres, 200 meters, and the 4 by 100 meters relay. Due to his exceptional performance on the tracks, he was nicknamed the Lightning Bolt. So, what are the fascinating facts about Usain Bolt that most people do not know?

Former athlete Usain Bolt
Former athlete Usain Bolt on the red carpet on 22 April 2024. On the right, he celebrates after crossing the finish line on 11 August 2012. Photo: Jose Breton, Ian MacNicol. (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

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The renowned legend has earned multiple awards, such as the IAAF World Athlete of the Year, Track and Field Athlete of the Year, BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year and is a 4-time Laureus World Sportsman of the Year. Here are the fun facts about Usain Bolt that might surprise you.

Top 15 facts about Usain Bolt

The former sprinter made his world stage debut in 2001 at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Debrecen and exited the sport in 2017. Here are the top fifteen fun facts about him.

15. Cricket was his first-choice sport

One of the facts about Usain Bolt's childhood is that cricket was his first sport. While growing up, he spent most of his time playing cricket and soccer on the streets with his brother, Sadiki. He joined William Knibb Memorial High School and continued playing cricket. His coach noticed his speed and encouraged him to try track and field events.

14. His nickname is "Lightning Bolt"

The legend has become famous amongst the media and his fans. His exceptional accomplishments earned him the nickname Lightning Bolt, derived from his speed and name.

13. Has his own Apple app

Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt speaks in a conference
Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt speaks in a conference after driving the Formula E racing car on 12 January 2024. Photo: Jam Media
Source: Getty Images

Bolt agreed to a partnership with RockLive and created an animated version of himself. In the game, he navigates various challenges to win lightning sprinting speed. Appl launched the App in 2012 for Apple iOS phone users.

12. He owns a headphone line, clothing line and restaurant

The sports enthusiast and Soul Electronics launched two Bolt editions of Run-Free in-ear headphones. He also owns a clothing line known as the Bolt Collection and a Tracks and Records restaurant in Jamaica.

11. He won eight Olympic gold medals

The well-known sprinter dominated the Olympic games during his sprinting career and won eight gold medals. He did this in three different Olympic Games, taking first place in the 100, 200, and 4 by 100-meter relay competitions.

10. He is the only sprinter to win the Olympic 100 and 200-metre titles three times

Usain Bolt sprinting to victory
Former athlete Usain Bolt sprints to victory and a new world record in the men's 4x100 metres relay final on 4 September 2011 in Daegu, South Korea. Photo: Michael Steele
Source: Getty Images

Bolt won the 100 and 200-metre Olympic titles three consecutive times, solidifying his status as a true legend of the sport.

9. He once ran 100 metres in just 9.58 seconds

At the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin, the renowned sprinter achieved a stunning new record for the 100-meter sprint with a time of 9.58 seconds. This incredible record remains unbroken.

8. He has a height advantage

Bolt's height of 6 feet 5 inches or 1.95 meters has earned him an advantage over most of his competitors. His outstanding speed also helped him beat his opponents.

7. He has an impressive collection of endorsements

As one of the most celebrated and highly recognised athletes worldwide, many lucrative brands, such as Puma, Gatorade, and Hublot, have struck endorsement deals with him. His exceptional accomplishments and lively personality make him a great brand advocate.

5. His signature pose is known as the "Bolt Pose"

Usain Bolt signature pose
Former athlete Usain Bolt with his signature pose during the red carpet before Laureus World Sports Awards 2024 at Palacio De Cibeles on 22 April 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Photo: Jose Breton
Source: Getty Images

The iconic sprinter charmed the world with his famous pose, Bolt Pose, to di world or bolting. Reports suggest that the pose came from a Jamaican dancehall move of the period. It involves extending his arms to the sides, resembling a lightning bolt in mid-strike. He used to perform this pose after crossing the finish line.

6. He discovered he had scoliosis as a child

Another interesting fact about Usain Bolt is that he did not have a balanced diet as a child, which is why he realised that he suffers from an imbalance of the right leg. His right leg is shorter than the left one.

4. He loves to dance and DJ

One of the most amazing facts about Usain Bolt is that he recognises his passion off the track and is not hesitant to pursue it. He loves music and dancing. He ventured into deejaying, showcasing his other talent.

3. He is a huge fan of Manchester United

Usain Bolt poses with a Manchester United shirt
Jamaican former athlete Usain Bolt poses with a Manchester United shirt before a Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham on 25 August 2012. Photo: Shaun Botterill
Source: Getty Images

Bolt is a diehard fan of the English football club Manchester United. He has frequently expressed his love for the club. Bolt has trained with the Red Devils and attended their matches.

2. He retired from professional athletics in 2017

After an accomplished career, the Jamaican legend announced his exit from competitive athletics in 2017. He left as a legend and one of the most influential and successful athletes.

1. Broke record wearing untied shoes

The iconic athlete broke the 2008 Beijing Olympic 100 metre final record with 9.69 seconds despite his shoes untying. According to studies by the University of Oslo, he slowed down by celebrating his evident win before the finish line. He could have finished the race with a duration of 9.60 seconds.

Frequently asked questions

The Jamaican legend is remembered as the greatest sprinter of all time with an unmatched global record. Here are the frequently asked questions about him.

Usain Bolt celebrates after he wins gold
Usain Bolt celebrates after he wins gold during the Men's 200m Final on Day 13 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on 9 August 2012 in London, England. Photo: Ian MacNicol
Source: Getty Images

How did Usain Bolt end his career?

According to Firstpost, the Jamaican star's career ended with some drama. Contrary to the fans' expectations that he would give an extraordinary finish with his iconic pose, he did not even reach the finish line due to an injury.

Does Usain Bolt have a wife and kids?

The People revealed that the athlete has a girlfriend, Kait Hanson, who is a Jamaican model. The couple has three children (Olympia, Saint Leo, and Thunder).

How much does Usain Bolt sleep?

Bolt sleeps for 8 to 10 hours a night. In an interview, he says

Sleep is extremely important to me. I need to rest and recover in order for the training I do to be absorbed by my body.

What is Usain Bolt famous for?

The former Jamaican track and field sprinter is famous for his incredible speed. After breaking the men's 100-metre world record, he became the fastest man alive in history.

Final word

Understanding the facts about Usain Bolt and how he shaped his career is crucial for any athlete hoping to make history on the track. His unbeaten records, spectacular speed, and great personality have attracted audiences globally.

READ ALSO: Who are the 20 greatest Jamaican athletes of all time?

Sports Brief has compiled compiled an article ranking history's 20 greatest Jamaican athletes. Internationally, Jamaica produces some of the world's finest athletes. Although most of these athletes are track and field sprinters, the Caribbean has also made some of the best in other professions. Click on the link above for more details.

Authors
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Lenah Ann
Lenah Ann is a Kenyan-based content creator with 2 years of experience. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Media and Communication from Dedan Kimathi, Kenya in 2021.