History of Usain Bolt in Timeline
Usain Bolt, a retired Jamaican sprinter, is regarded as the greatest sprinter ever. He has won eight Olympic gold medals and holds the world record in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4x100 meters relay.
1984: Bolt Aims to Emulate Carl Lewis' Double Win
At the 2008 Olympics, Bolt set his sights on achieving a gold medal in the 200m, drawing inspiration from Carl Lewis' accomplishment of winning both the 100m and 200m races in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
August 1986: Birth of Usain Bolt
Usain Bolt was born in August 1986, in Sherwood Content, Jamaica, to parents Wellesley and Jennifer Bolt.
August 1986: Birth of Usain Bolt
Usain Bolt was born in August 1986, in Sherwood Content, Jamaica, to parents Wellesley and Jennifer Bolt.
1988: Carl Lewis's Olympic Victory
Carl Lewis achieved a victory in an Olympic sprint event in 1988.
1991: Mike Powell's Long Jump Record
Mike Powell set the world record in long jump with a distance of 8.95 meters in 1991.
1996: Bolt Breaks Michael Johnson's 200m Record
Despite facing a headwind, Bolt shattered Michael Johnson's long-standing 200m world record, set at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, with a time of 19.30 seconds, further cementing his status as a sprinting legend.
2000: 10th Anniversary of the 2000 Summer Olympics
The "Gatorade Bolt" event coincided with the 10th-anniversary celebrations of the 2000 Summer Olympics, which were held in Sydney.
2001: Debut at CARIFTA Games
Usain Bolt made his debut in the Caribbean regional event, the CARIFTA Games, in 2001. He achieved a personal best time of 48.28 seconds in the 400 meters, earning a silver medal. He also won a silver medal in the 200 meters with a time of 21.81 seconds.
2001: IAAF World Youth Championships and CARIFTA Trials
In 2001, Bolt participated in the IAAF World Youth Championships in Debrecen, Hungary, where he failed to qualify for the 200m finals but set a new personal best of 21.73 seconds. At the CARIFTA Trials, he was involved in a playful incident where he hid in a van to avoid preparation for the 200m finals. This act led to brief detention by the police and sparked controversy, with some blaming his coach, McNeil. Despite the incident, Bolt went on to compete in the CARIFTA Games, setting championship records in the 200m (21.12 seconds) and 400m (47.33 seconds).
2001: First High School Championships Medal
Bolt won his first medal at the annual high school championships in 2001, securing silver in the 200 meters with a time of 22.04 seconds.
2002: Bolt Signs with Puma
After clinching the 200m title at the 2002 World Junior Championships in Kingston, Bolt secured a sponsorship deal with Puma.
2002: Youngest World-Junior Gold Medalist
At the 2002 World Junior Championships in Kingston, Jamaica, a 15-year-old Usain Bolt won the 200m race with a time of 20.61 seconds, becoming the youngest-ever world-junior gold medalist in the event. Despite being nervous before the race and even putting his shoes on the wrong feet initially, Bolt's victory marked a turning point in his career as he decided to overcome pre-race nerves from then on.
2002: IAAF Rising Star Award
Usain Bolt was recognized for his exceptional potential and received the IAAF Rising Star Award in 2002.
2003: Success at CARIFTA Games and World Youth Championships
Bolt's success continued in 2003 with four gold medals at the CARIFTA Games, earning him the Austin Sealy Trophy for the most outstanding athlete. He also won gold at the 2003 World Youth Championships, setting a championship record of 20.40 seconds in the 200 meters despite a headwind.
2003: World Championships and Rising Star Award
In 2003, despite being the reigning 200 m champion at the World Youth and World Junior championships, Bolt's hopes for a clean sweep in the Senior World Championships in Paris were dashed due to a bout of conjunctivitis. Despite this setback, his performance at the junior level earned him the IAAF Rising Star Award.
2003: Breaking Records at Jamaican High School Championships
In his final Jamaican High School Championships in 2003, Bolt broke the records for both the 200m (20.25 seconds) and 400m (45.35 seconds) races. His 400m time remained competitive for years, highlighting his early versatility as a sprinter.
2004: Professional Debut and Olympic Disappointment
Bolt turned professional in 2004, setting a new world junior record in the 200 m at the CARIFTA Games. However, a hamstring injury hampered his performance at the Athens Olympics, leading to a disappointing first-round exit in the 200 meters.
2004: Shawn Crawford's Olympic Victory
In 2004, Shawn Crawford won the Olympic 200m race in Athens.
2005: World Championships Setback and Car Accident
Bolt's hopes for redemption at the 2005 World Championships were cut short due to an injury in the final. Later that year, a car accident further disrupted his training schedule. Despite these setbacks, he consistently ranked among the world's top 5 sprinters.
2005: New Coach and Improved Performance
Under the guidance of new coach Glen Mills, Bolt started fresh in 2005, showing improved work ethic and athleticism. He significantly improved his 200 m time, setting a new personal best at the London's Crystal Palace.
March 2006: Hamstring Injury and Withdrawal from Commonwealth Games
A recurring hamstring injury in March 2006 forced Bolt to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, further delaying his return to competitive athletics.
2006: First Major World Medal and Focus on Experience
Bolt secured his first major world medal with a bronze in the 200 m at the IAAF World Athletics Final in Stuttgart. He followed this with a silver medal at the IAAF World Cup in Athens, focusing on gaining experience on the international stage.
2007: Breaking National Records and Transitioning to 100m
In 2007, Bolt broke the Jamaican 200 m record, prompting his coach to consider letting him run the 100 m. Despite his desire to run the shorter distance, his coach believed he needed to improve his start and running habits.
2007: World Championship Silver Medal
In 2007, Usain Bolt secured a silver medal in the 200m race at the World Championships, signaling his emergence as a top sprinter on the global stage.
2007: Bolt's First Major Championship Setback
The 2017 World Athletics Championships marked the end of Usain Bolt's illustrious career. He faced tough competition, breaking his winning streak in the 100m and ultimately securing a bronze medal in his final individual race. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Bolt suffered a hamstring injury during his final race, the 4x100m relay final, and was unable to finish.
2007: Silver Medals Ignite Bolt's Ambition
Bolt's silver medals at the 2007 Osaka World Championships fueled his determination in sprinting, leading him to approach his career with more seriousness and maturity.
2007: Silver Medal in Relay and Technical Improvements
Bolt was part of the Jamaican 4x100 m relay team that won a silver medal at the 2007 World Championships, setting a new national record. Despite not winning gold, his coach acknowledged significant improvements in his technique, particularly in his balance and stride frequency.
2007: World Championships Silver Medal
At the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Bolt won a silver medal in the 200 m, finishing behind Tyson Gay, who set a new championship record.
May 2008: Bolt Sets New 100m World Record
In May 2008, Bolt established a new world record in the 100m with a time of 9.72 seconds at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York City, surpassing the previous record and solidifying his position as a top contender.
May 2008: Bolt's Breakthrough in 100m
In May 2008, Bolt achieved a personal best in the 100m with a time of 9.76 seconds at the Jamaica Invitational in Kingston, marking the second-fastest legal time in history at that point.
May 2008: First Sub-10-Second 100m
Bolt achieved his first sub-10-second performance in the 100 meters in May 2008.
June 2008: Bolt's Training Regimen and 200m Success
In June 2008, Bolt addressed criticisms of his work ethic, emphasizing his dedication to training. He proved his prowess in the 200m, setting a world-leading time in Ostrava and breaking the national record in Athens.
June 2008: Start of 200m Undefeated Streak
Bolt began an impressive undefeated streak in the 200 meters in June 2008.
August 2008: Start of 100m Win Streak
Usain Bolt commenced a winning streak in the 100 meters in August 2008.
2008: Bolt Stripped of 2008 Relay Gold Due to Teammate's Doping Violation
In a shocking turn of events, Usain Bolt was stripped of his 4x100m relay gold medal from the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The decision came after his teammate, Nesta Carter, was found guilty of a doping violation.
2008: International Breakthrough at the Beijing Olympics
Usain Bolt achieved a historic double victory in the 100m and 200m races at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, setting new world records in both events.
2008: Puma's Promotional Campaign for Bolt's Olympic Pursuits
In anticipation of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Puma launched a series of videos showcasing Bolt's record-breaking run at Icahn Stadium and his Olympic preparations. Following his remarkable performance in New York City, preceded by a thunderstorm, the media adopted nicknames like "Lightning Bolt" and "Bolt from the blue." During the 100m final in Beijing, Bolt sported gold Puma Complete Theseus spikes adorned with "Beijing 100m Gold."
2008: Wins Olympic Gold in 4x100m Relay (Later Voided)
Bolt was part of the Jamaican 4x100m relay team that won gold at the 2008 Summer Olympics, setting a world record, but the result was later voided in 2017 due to a teammate's disqualification.
2008: Bolt's Disappointment Over Relay Gold Loss
In 2017, the Jamaican 4x100m relay team from the 2008 Olympics was officially stripped of their title due to Nesta Carter's doping disqualification. Bolt, who had always maintained a clean record, expressed his disappointment and heartbreak over the situation.
2008: Setting a world record in 4x100m relay
In 2008, Bolt and the Jamaican 4x100m relay team set a new world record at the Beijing Olympics.
2008: Bolt Continues Dominance in Golden League
Despite facing challenges such as a cold and strong competitors, Bolt maintained his winning streak in the 100m at various Golden League events in 2008, proving his consistency and resilience.
2008: Defending Olympic Sprint Title
Bolt's victory in the 100m at the 2012 London Olympics marked the first successful defense of an Olympic sprint title since Carl Lewis's win in 1988.
2008: Bolt's Rise to Dominance
Bolt's return from injury in 2015 saw him less dominant. He participated in a limited number of races and faced strong competition from Justin Gatlin, who consistently clocked faster times. Despite securing victories in the 200m in New York and Ostrava, Bolt's season's best time of 20.13 seconds placed him 20th globally. While his 100m runs in London showed improvement, Gatlin remained the top-ranked sprinter. Bolt entered the World Championships as the defending champion but faced a significant challenge from Gatlin.
2008: Bolt's Celebration Sparks Debate
Bolt's chest-thumping celebration at the 2008 Olympics drew mixed reactions, with some criticizing it as showboating while others defended it as youthful exuberance. Bolt maintained that it was a spontaneous expression of joy.
2008: Wins Olympic Gold and Sets World Record in 200m
Bolt won the 200 meters at the 2008 Olympics and set a world record with a time of 19.30 seconds.
2008: Bolt Wins Third Gold Medal and Sets Another World Record
Bolt secured his third gold medal at the 2008 Olympics as part of the Jamaican 4x100m relay team. The team's exceptional performance resulted in another world record, solidifying their dominance in the event.
2008: World Record in 200m
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Bolt broke the 200m world record with a time of 19.30 seconds, showcasing his extraordinary speed and athleticism.
2009: Dominance at the World Championships
Usain Bolt showcased exceptional performance at the 2009 World Championships, clinching gold medals in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, solidifying his status as a sprinting legend.
2009: Sets World Records in 100m and 200m
Usain Bolt set the still-standing world record in the 100 meters with a time of 9.58 seconds in 2009. He also set the world record in the 200 meters at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics in Berlin with a time of 19.19 seconds.
2009: World Record in 100m
Usain Bolt set a new world record in the 100m with a time of 9.58 seconds at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, Germany.
2009: Preparation for 2009 World Championships
In 2009, Bolt focused on improving his speed by competing in the 400 metres, achieving a personal best. He suffered a minor leg injury in a car crash but recovered quickly. Despite not being at full fitness, he won the 100m and 200m titles at the Jamaican national championships, qualifying for the 2009 World Championships.
2009: Sets World Best in 150 Meters and Fastest 100m Split
Bolt set the world best time in the 150 meters in 2009, running the last 100 meters in a record-breaking 8.70 seconds.
2009: 2009 World Championships in Berlin
At the 2009 World Championships, Bolt won his first World Championship gold medal in the 100 meters with a new world record of 9.58 seconds, a record that still stands today. This was the largest improvement on the 100m world record since electronic timing began.
2009: 2009 World Championships in Berlin (continued)
At the 2009 World Championships, Bolt also broke his own world record in the 200 meters with a time of 19.19 seconds, winning by the largest margin in World Championship history. His performance impressed fellow athletes and solidified his dominance in sprinting. His improved start times contributed significantly to his success.
July 2010: End of 100m Win Streak
Bolt's winning streak in the 100 meters concluded in July 2010.
September 2010: Bolt's Australian Visit for "Gatorade Bolt" Event
Bolt visited Australia in September 2010 for the "Gatorade Bolt" event, organized by his sponsor to identify Australia's fastest footballer. Held at the Sydney International Athletic Centre, the event involved players from various football codes. Bolt provided coaching to the participants and joined the 10th-anniversary celebrations of the 2000 Summer Olympics.
2010: Start of 2010 Outdoor Season
Bolt began the 2010 season with a world-leading time in the 200m but stated he had no immediate plans to break records. He competed internationally, winning in Daegu and Shanghai. He attempted to break Michael Johnson's 300m record in Ostrava but fell short and sustained an Achilles tendon injury.
2010: Publication of Bolt's Autobiography
Bolt's autobiography, "My Story: 9.58: Being the World's Fastest Man," was published in 2010. Bolt expressed his enthusiasm for the book, describing it as an exciting reflection of his life.
2010: Bolt Receives Accolades and Eyes Future Challenges
Following his remarkable 2008 season, Bolt received numerous awards and honors, including the IAAF Male Athlete of the Year and Laureus World Sportsman of the Year. He also expressed his ambition to break the 400m world record in 2010.
2010: Bolt's Public Displays of Interest in Music and Video Games
In 2010, Usain Bolt showcased his love for music by DJing a reggae set in Paris. He also shared his passion for video games, particularly the "Call of Duty" series, admitting his tendency to stay up late playing online.
September 2011: End of 200m Undefeated Streak
Bolt's undefeated streak in the 200 meters ended in September 2011.
2011: Previous World Record in 4x100m Relay
The Jamaican team, including Bolt, set a world record in the 4x100m relay in 2011.
2011: Setback at the World Championships
Usain Bolt faced a setback at the 2011 World Championships, receiving a disqualification in the 100m final due to a false start.
2011: Strong Finish to the 2011 Season
After the World Championships, Bolt achieved the year's best time in the 100m in Brussels. While he didn't win the Diamond League title in any specific event, he remained unbeaten in the IAAF Diamond League circuit throughout the year.
2011: Disqualification at the 2011 World Championships
Despite being the favorite, Bolt was disqualified from the 100m final at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu due to a false start. This high-profile disqualification sparked debate about the IAAF's new false start rule.
2011: Sets World Record in 4x100m Relay
Bolt and the Jamaican 4x100m relay team set a world record with a time of 37.04 seconds at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics.
2011: Bolt's Affinity for Manchester United
A lifelong fan of Manchester United, Usain Bolt expressed his admiration for the team and Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. In 2011, he attended the UEFA Champions League Final in London as a special guest of the club and voiced his desire to play for them post-retirement.
2011: Undefeated Streak in 2011
Bolt remained undefeated in 100m and 200m races throughout 2011, securing victories in Rome, Ostrava, Oslo, Paris, Stockholm, and Monaco. He achieved a world-leading time in the 200m in Oslo.
January 2012: Bolt Features in Virgin Media Campaign
Bolt impersonated Richard Branson in a Virgin Media advertising campaign directed by Seth Gordon in January 2012, promoting their broadband service.
March 2012: Bolt Stars in Visa Olympic Advert
In March 2012, Bolt was featured in an advertisement for Visa, promoting the 2012 Summer Olympics.
July 2012: Launch of "Bolt!" Mobile Game
Bolt and RockLive released "Bolt!," an Apple iOS game inspired by his achievements, in July 2012. The game quickly gained popularity, topping the charts in Jamaica and reaching No. 2 on the UK iTunes Top Free Apps list.
2012: Bolt Collaborates with Soul Electronics
Bolt partnered with headphone manufacturer Soul Electronics to create his own line of headphones. The designs incorporated the Jamaican color scheme and his iconic "To Di World" pose.
2012: 2012 London Olympics
Bolt won the 100m gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, setting a new Olympic record and defending his title from the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This victory cemented his status as a Jamaican national hero, particularly as it coincided with Jamaica's 50th anniversary of independence.
2012: 2012 London Olympics - Relay Gold and World Record
Bolt, along with Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, and Yohan Blake, won gold for Jamaica in the 4x100m relay at the 2012 London Olympics. They set a new world record with a time of 36.84 seconds, breaking their previous record from 2011.
2012: Sets World Record in 4x100m Relay at Olympics
Bolt, as part of the Jamaican 4x100m relay team, won gold and set a world record of 36.84 seconds at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
2012: World Record in 4x100m Relay
Usain Bolt, along with his Jamaican teammates, set a new world record in the 4x100m relay with a time of 36.84 seconds at the 2012 London Olympics.
2012: Consecutive Triumphs at the London Olympics
Bolt continued his winning streak by securing gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay at the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the first sprinter to achieve this feat in three consecutive Olympics.
2012: Successful Finish to the 2012 Season
Bolt concluded the 2012 season with several victories in the 200m and 100m events on the IAAF Diamond League circuit. He secured his first Diamond League title in the 100m in Brussels.
2012: Start of 2012 Season and Jamaican Championships
Bolt began the 2012 season with a leading 100m time. He faced competition from Yohan Blake, losing to him in both the 200m and 100m races at the Jamaican Athletics Championships.
2013: Bolt's Historic World Championship Victory
Usain Bolt achieved a historic feat at the 2013 World Championships, securing his third consecutive gold medal in the 4x100m relay. This victory cemented his status as the most successful athlete in the history of the event. The Jamaican team, comprising top athletes, including Bolt, emerged as comfortable winners. Bolt's accomplishments mirrored those of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, resulting in Jamaica sweeping all sprint medals.
2013: Bolt's NBA All-Star Weekend Appearance
In 2013, Usain Bolt participated in the NBA All-Star Weekend Celebrity Game, scoring two points with a slam dunk. However, he acknowledged that his overall basketball skills were limited.
2013: Bolt's Unexpected Defeat and Jamaican Victory
In 2013, Usain Bolt faced an unexpected defeat against Justin Gatlin at the Golden Gala, clocking in at 9.95 seconds compared to Gatlin's 9.94. Despite this setback, Bolt secured the Jamaican 100m title, with Warren Weir winning the 200m in the absence of Yohan Blake. Bolt went on to achieve world-leading times in both sprints prior to the World Championships.
2013: Bolt's Continued Success and Accolades
Despite the earlier upset, Bolt maintained an unbeaten streak in the 200m throughout 2013, with his sole loss being to Gatlin in the 100m race in Rome. Bolt's exceptional performance throughout the year earned him the prestigious IAAF World Male Athlete of the Year award for the fifth time in six years.
March 2014: Bolt's Return from Injury and Commonwealth Games Record
In March 2014, Bolt suffered a hamstring injury, sidelining him for nine weeks. Following surgery and recovery, he returned to compete in the 4x100m relay at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Despite not being at his peak, Bolt's participation was driven by his commitment to fans and to demonstrate his progress. He, along with his teammates, secured victory with a record-breaking time of 37.58 seconds. In the absence of the Olympics and World Championships, the Commonwealth Games marked Bolt's most significant competition of the year.
August 2014: Bolt Sets Indoor World Record and Ends Season Early
Usain Bolt set a new indoor world record in the 100m in Warsaw, clocking in at an impressive 9.98 seconds. This remarkable achievement marked his only individual competition of the 2014 season. Bolt made the strategic decision to conclude his season early to prioritize his fitness for the upcoming 2015 season. During Bolt's absence, Justin Gatlin emerged as a dominant force in the sprints, consistently achieving the fastest times throughout the year.
2015: Bolt's Planned Retirement
At the start of 2015, Bolt announced his intention to retire from athletics after the 2017 World Championships.
2015: Further Success at the World Championships
Bolt continued his reign at the 2015 World Championships, winning gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest sprinters of all time.
2015: Bolt's Return and Challenges in 2015 Season
Bolt's return from injury in 2015 saw him less dominant. He participated in a limited number of races and faced strong competition from Justin Gatlin, who consistently clocked faster times. Despite securing victories in the 200m in New York and Ostrava, Bolt's season's best time of 20.13 seconds placed him 20th globally. While his 100m runs in London showed improvement, Gatlin remained the top-ranked sprinter. Bolt entered the World Championships as the defending champion but faced a significant challenge from Gatlin.
2015: Bolt's Planned Retirement and Gatlin's Dominance
In 2015, Usain Bolt announced his intention to retire from competitive athletics following the 2017 World Championships. This decision marked the beginning of the end of his illustrious career. Meanwhile, Justin Gatlin continued his dominance in the sprints, establishing himself as a top contender.
2015: Bolt Skips Diamond League Final Due to Injury Concerns
Prioritizing his health after a challenging season, Bolt decided to withdraw from the 2015 IAAF Diamond League final. This decision reflected his cautious approach to managing his injuries.
November 2016: Bolt's Football Aspirations
In a November 2016 interview with The Guardian, Bolt shared his ambition to pursue professional football after retiring from athletics. He reiterated his dream of playing for Manchester United if given the opportunity.
November 2016: Release of "I Am Bolt" Documentary
A documentary film chronicling Bolt's journey to winning three Olympic gold medals, titled "I Am Bolt," premiered in the United Kingdom on November 28th, 2016. The film was directed by Benjamin Turner and Gabe Turner.
2016: Time 100 Most Influential People
Usain Bolt's global impact was acknowledged in 2016 when he was featured in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people.
2016: Bolt's Historic "Triple-Triple" at Rio Olympics
Usain Bolt etched his name in Olympic history at the 2016 Rio Games. He became the first athlete to achieve the "triple-triple," winning gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay for three consecutive Olympics. These victories solidified his legacy as a sprinting legend.
2016: Unprecedented Triple-Triple at the Rio Olympics
In 2016, Usain Bolt etched his name in history once again by claiming gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay at the Rio Olympics, marking an unparalleled "triple-triple" of consecutive victories in three Olympic Games.
2016: Bolt's Record-Breaking Earnings
In 2016, Bolt achieved the highest annual earnings for a track and field athlete, amassing approximately $33 million. This accomplishment placed him at No. 32 on Forbes' list of The World's Highest-Paid Athletes, making him the only athlete from his sport to feature on the list.
2016: Bolt's Limited Races and Stance on Doping
Leading up to the 2016 Olympics, Bolt participated in a limited number of 200m races, with a notable win at the London Grand Prix. His 100m season's best placed him fourth globally. Gatlin remained a formidable opponent with impressive times in both sprints. With doping scandals plaguing athletics, Bolt voiced his support for rigorous testing and expressed his disapproval of reduced bans for cooperation, particularly in light of his long-standing rivalry with Tyson Gay.
January 2017: Jamaican Relay Team Stripped of Gold Medal
In a controversial turn of events, the Jamaican 4x100m relay team, of which Bolt was a part, was stripped of their 2008 Olympic gold medal due to Nesta Carter's positive test for a banned substance.
January 2017: Bolt Stripped of 2008 Relay Gold Due to Teammate's Doping Violation
In a shocking turn of events, Usain Bolt was stripped of his 4x100m relay gold medal from the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The decision came after his teammate, Nesta Carter, was found guilty of a doping violation.
February 2017: Bolt Invests in and Participates in Nitro Athletics
Venturing into new territory, Usain Bolt became a stakeholder in Nitro Athletics, an innovative track and field event series based in Australia. He participated in the inaugural meet in February 2017, leading his team, Bolt All-Stars, to victory. This marked his foray into a new phase of his career.
August 2017: Last Sub-10-Second 100m
Usain Bolt ran his final sub-10-second 100m race at the World Championships in August 2017.
December 2017: Statue Unveiled in Bolt's Honor
Following his retirement, a statue of Usain Bolt, captured in his iconic "lightning bolt" pose, was unveiled at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. This tribute solidified his status as a national hero and a legend in the world of athletics.
2017: Retirement from Athletics
Usain Bolt retired from competitive athletics after the 2017 World Championships in London, England. In his final race, he finished third in the 100m, opted out of the 200m, and suffered an injury during the 4x100m relay final.
2017: 2008 Olympic Relay Gold Revoked
The Jamaican 4x100m relay team, including Bolt, had their 2008 Olympic gold medal revoked due to Nesta Carter's disqualification for a doping violation.
2017: Bolt's Final Races and Injury at World Championships
The 2017 World Athletics Championships marked the end of Usain Bolt's illustrious career. He faced tough competition, breaking his winning streak in the 100m and ultimately securing a bronze medal in his final individual race. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Bolt suffered a hamstring injury during his final race, the 4x100m relay final, and was unable to finish.
2017: Bolt's Disappointment Over Relay Gold Loss
In 2017, the Jamaican 4x100m relay team from the 2008 Olympics was officially stripped of their title due to Nesta Carter's doping disqualification. Bolt, who had always maintained a clean record, expressed his disappointment and heartbreak over the situation.
2017: Bolt's Planned Retirement
At the start of 2015, Bolt announced his intention to retire from athletics after the 2017 World Championships.
2017: Bolt's Philanthropy and Social Media Earnings
As part of his Puma sponsorship, Bolt ensured that sporting equipment was sent to his former school, William Knibb Memorial High School. He insisted on filming advertisements in Jamaica with a local crew to support the country's economy and visibility. In 2017, he ranked third among sportspeople in terms of social media income from sponsorships, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, and was the sole non-footballer in the top seven.
August 2018: Bolt's Stint with Central Coast Mariners
On his 32nd birthday in August 2018, Bolt began training with the Central Coast Mariners of the A-League in Australia. He made his debut as a substitute on August 31st against a Central Coast Select team. He scored two goals in a friendly match against Macarthur South West United on October 12th, celebrating with his signature "To Di World" pose.
October 2018: Bolt's Football Offers and Criticism
In October 2018, Bolt received a two-year contract offer from Maltese club Valletta, which he declined. The Central Coast Mariners, with support from the Australian FA, also offered him a contract. However, his football skills faced criticism from Perth Glory forward Andy Keogh.
November 2018: Bolt Departs Central Coast Mariners
Bolt's time with the Central Coast Mariners ended in early November 2018 after eight weeks.
2018: Co-founds Bolt Mobility
Usain Bolt co-founded the electric scooter company Bolt Mobility in 2018. He also appeared in the company's debut commercial.
2018: Bolt's Foray into Professional Football
Following training with Norwegian club Strømsgodset, Bolt played as a forward in a friendly match against Norway's under-19 team in 2018. Wearing the number "9.58" as a nod to his 100m world record, he also captained the World XI at Soccer Aid 2018 in Old Trafford.
January 2019: Bolt Announces End of Sports Career
Bolt declared his retirement from sports in January 2019, stating that his "sports life is over."
March 2019: Bolt Mobility New York City Launch
In March 2019, Usain Bolt made his first public appearance for Bolt Mobility during the company's New York City launch.
May 2019: Bolt Mobility European Expansion and Viva Technology Conference
In May 2019, Bolt Mobility expanded its services to Europe, launching first in Paris. That same month, Bolt spoke at the Viva Technology conference in Paris, introducing the company's upcoming Nano minicar. He also met with French President Emmanuel Macron.
July 2019: Debut as Dancehall Music Producer
Usain Bolt debuted as a dancehall music producer in July 2019 with the release of the "Olympe Rosé" riddim.
November 2019: Releases "Immortal Riddim" Compilation
In November 2019, Bolt followed up with another dancehall music compilation, "Immortal Riddim".
May 2020: Birth of Bolt's First Child
Usain Bolt and his longtime girlfriend Kasi Bennett became parents on May 2020, when their daughter, Olympia Lightning, was born.
January 2021: Releases Single "Living the Dream"
Bolt released the single "Living the Dream" with his friend Nugent 'NJ' Walker in January 2021.
June 2021: Bolt and Bennett Welcome Twins
In June 2021, Bolt and Bennett expanded their family with the arrival of twin boys, Thunder and Saint Leo.
July 2021: Bolt Contemplates NFL Career Path
A Green Bay Packers fan, Bolt shared in July 2021 that he might have pursued a career as a wide receiver in the NFL if concussion protocols had been stricter during his prime. He expressed concerns about being a target for heavy tackles.
2021: World Under-20 and Under-18 Records Broken
Bolt's world under-20 and under-18 records in the 200m were surpassed by Erriyon Knighton in 2021.
2021: Bolt Credits Video Games for Aiding Olympic Career
In 2021, Bolt revealed to the BBC that playing video games like "Mario Kart" and "Mortal Kombat" had benefited him during his time as an Olympian.
July 2022: Bolt Mobility Ceases Operations
In July 2022, Bolt Mobility abruptly ceased operations, impacting bike-sharing programs in several cities.