Usain Bolt: The fastest man in the world

Nationality: Jamaica

Inducted: 2025

Notable Record(s):

• Most consecutive Olympic gold medals won in the 100 metres (male)
• Fastest run of 150 metres and 200 metres (male)

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One of the most talented athletes in the world, but also a music producer, a writer and a philanthropist, the Jamaican sports superstar has achieved worldwide fame thanks to his record-shattering results on the track and his mark on the world of sports.

Born in Trelawny, Jamaica, the future champion showed early promise for athletics when he was just a schoolboy. Although he stood out in his primary school's competition, he also explored other sports before dedicating his all to track and field.

The athlete first took the world by storm during the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, sprinting his way to three gold medals with breathtaking ease. He repeated the feat during the London Games of 2012 and the 2016 Summer Games in Rio, when he achieved three gold medals at three consecutive Summer Games.

Among his many titles and medals, Usain holds the world records for the fastest 150 meters (a whopping 14.35 seconds) and 200 meters (19.19 seconds achieved in Berlin, during the IAAF World Championships). Both records, set in 2009, remain unmatched to this day.

Season after season, he continued to challenge boundaries and rule undefeated over the Olympic podium, becoming the man with the most consecutive Olympic gold medals won in the 100 metres in history. 

When he's not busy racking up back-to-back Olympic golds, the record holder is not afraid to reach out and explore other interests, from writing to music production. In his memoir, Usain advocates for the importance of pushing limits and believing in dreams to foster self-growth, while highlighting that embracing failure and patience are parts of the process.

His larger-than-life charisma and athletic prowess turned him into an Olympic legend and continue to inspire many athletes who, every day, push their limits on the track thanks to his words and example.

We met the Olympic superstar in Manchester to talk about sports, goal setting, and record-breaking. Read the interview here!

Go head-to-head with Usain Bolt in our ultimate 100 m quiz