Usain Bolt was born on August 21, 1986, in Sherwood Content, a small town in Jamaica, where he grew up playing cricket and soccer before turning to track and field.
Bolt first gained international attention at the 2002 World Junior Championships in Kingston, Jamaica, where he won the 200 meters at just 15 years old, becoming the youngest world junior champion ever.
Bolt's nickname, 'Lightning Bolt,' reflects his incredible speed and is a play on his last name.
In 2008, Bolt set his first world record in the 100 meters at the Beijing Olympics, finishing in 9.69 seconds despite slowing down to celebrate before the finish line.
Bolt went on to win three gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4x100 meters relay, setting world records in all three events.
At the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, Bolt broke his own 100 meters world record, setting a new mark of 9.58 seconds, the fastest time ever recorded.
Bolt also holds the world record in the 200 meters, with a time of 19.19 seconds, set at the 2009 World Championships.
Bolt is the only sprinter in history to win the 'triple-triple': three gold medals in three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012, and 2016) in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4x100 meters relay.
Bolt's winning streak in major championships lasted nearly a decade, making him one of the most dominant athletes in the history of track and field.
Off the track, Bolt is known for his playful personality and signature 'To Di World' pose, which became a global symbol of his success.
Bolt's achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including being named the IAAF World Athlete of the Year six times.
Bolt is also a successful businessman, with his own brand of clothing, accessories, and a restaurant in Jamaica called 'Tracks & Records.'
After retiring from athletics, Bolt pursued a brief career in professional soccer, playing for Australian club Central Coast Mariners in 2018.
Bolt has used his platform to support various charitable causes, including funding sports programs for children in Jamaica through the Usain Bolt Foundation.
Usain Bolt's legacy as the greatest sprinter of all time is secure, and his impact on the sport of athletics continues to inspire future generations of athletes.