Early Life and Education of Usain Bolt: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Usain Bolt. A timeline of key moments.

Usain Bolt, a retired Jamaican sprinter, is widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time. He achieved remarkable success, winning eight Olympic gold medals. Bolt holds the world records in the 100 metres (9.58 seconds), 200 metres (19.19 seconds), and 4 × 100 metres relay (36.84 seconds). His dominance and record-breaking performances have solidified his place as a legendary figure in athletics.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

August 1986: Usain Bolt's Birth

In August 1986, Usain St. Leo Bolt was born. He is a Jamaican retired sprinter considered to be the greatest sprinter of all time.

2001: First High School Championships Medal

In 2001, Usain Bolt won his first annual high school championships medal, taking the silver medal in the 200 metres with a time of 22.04 seconds.

2003: Jamaican High School Championships

In 2003, Usain Bolt competed in his final Jamaican High School Championships, breaking the 200 m and 400 m records with times of 20.25 s and 45.35 s, respectively.

2005: New Coach and Attitude

The year 2005 signalled a fresh start for Usain Bolt in the form of a new coach, Glen Mills, and a new attitude toward athletics. Bolt began training with Mills in preparation for the upcoming athletics season.

2006: Focus on Experience and Longer Distances

In 2006, Bolt focused on gaining experience, particularly in the 200 m, and aimed to compete more in both 200 m and 400 m events over the next two years. He achieved a personal best of 19.88 s at the 2006 Athletissima Grand Prix in Lausanne, Switzerland, earning a bronze medal.

2007: Increased Desire to Sprint

In 2007, the silver medals from the Osaka World Championships increased Bolt's desire to sprint, and he took a more serious, mature stance towards his career.

June 2008: Response to Lazy Athlete Claims and Focus on 200 m

In June 2008, Bolt responded to claims that he was a lazy athlete, saying the comments were unjustified and stemming from his lack of enthusiasm for the 400 metres event.

2010: Fondness of Music and Video Games

In 2010, Usain Bolt revealed his fondness for music by playing a reggae DJ set in Paris. He also expressed his love for the Call of Duty video game series, admitting to staying up late to play it online.

2011: Manchester United Fan

In 2011, Usain Bolt was a special guest of Manchester United at the UEFA Champions League Final in London, where he expressed his desire to play for them after his retirement and declared his admiration for Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

2012: Collaboration with Soul Electronics

In 2012, Usain Bolt collaborated with headphone maker Soul Electronics to design his own line of headphones, featuring an in-ear bud and over-ear model with the Jamaican color scheme and his signature "To Di World" pose.

2013: NBA All-Star Weekend Celebrity Game

In 2013, Usain Bolt participated in the NBA All-Star Weekend Celebrity Game where he scored two points from a slam dunk.

November 2016: Desire to play professional football

In November 2016, Usain Bolt expressed his desire to play professional football after retiring from track and field and reiterated his dream to play for Manchester United if given the chance.

2017: Sponsorship deal with Puma

In 2017, as part of his sponsorship deal with Puma, the manufacturer sends sporting equipment to Usain Bolt's alma mater, William Knibb Memorial High School, every year. Additionally, advertisements featuring Bolt are filmed in Jamaica by a Jamaican production crew to boost local enterprise.

2017: Retirement After World Championships

Usain Bolt retired after the 2017 World Championships, when he finished third in his last solo 100 m race, opted out of the 200 m, and pulled up injured in the 4 × 100 m relay final.

May 2020: Birth of First Child

In May 2020, Usain Bolt's longtime girlfriend, Kasi Bennett, gave birth to their first child, a daughter named Olympia Lightning.

June 2021: Welcomed Twin Boys

In June 2021, Usain Bolt and Kasi Bennett welcomed twin boys named Thunder and Saint Leo.

July 2021: Considered NFL career

In July 2021, Usain Bolt, a Green Bay Packers fan, mentioned he would have considered a career as a wide receiver in the National Football League if the rules on violent tackles and concussions were as regulated as they are now. He felt he would be a high-priced target for heavy hits.