Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Sports Desk • Track And Field

Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt is a retired Jamaican sprinter widely regarded as one of the greatest track and field athletes in history.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Usain Bolt is a retired Jamaican sprinter widely regarded as one of the greatest track and field athletes in history. He set world records in the 100 m and 200 m and won Olympic gold at three consecutive Games.

What it is

Usain St. Leo Bolt was born on 21 August 1986 in Sherwood Content, Jamaica. He grew up interested in sport and developed into an elite sprinter, earning the nickname “Lightning Bolt” for his explosive speed.

Why it matters

Bolt dominated the 100 m, 200 m, and 4 × 100 m relay at three straight Olympics (2008, 2012, 2016) — the first athlete to win that sprint treble three times. His world records of 9.58 seconds in the 100 m and 19.19 seconds in the 200 m, set at the 2009 World Championships, remain unbeaten.

Key details

He earned eight Olympic gold medals and eleven world championship titles. Bolt also helped Jamaica set a world record in the 4 × 100 m relay. He retired from elite athletics after the 2017 World Championships.

In short

  • Won Olympic gold in 100 m and 200 m at three consecutive Games (2008, 2012, 2016).
  • Holds world records in 100 m (9.58 s) and 200 m (19.19 s).
  • Earned eight Olympic gold medals and eleven world championship titles.
  • Nicknamed “Lightning Bolt” and retired after the 2017 World Championships.
Canadian angle

Bolt has raced in major international competitions watched closely by Canadian track and field fans, and his sprint records and Olympic performances are a benchmark in the sport.

Quick questions

Who is Usain Bolt?
Usain Bolt is a retired Jamaican sprinter best known for his dominance in the 100 m and 200 m and for winning Olympic gold at three consecutive Games.
What records does Usain Bolt hold?
He holds the men’s world records in the 100 m (9.58 seconds) and 200 m (19.19 seconds).
How many Olympic gold medals did Usain Bolt win?
He won eight Olympic gold medals in total.

Sources

  1. Olympics.com — https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/usain-bolt
    Supports: Birthplace, Olympic achievements, early career, and record-breaking 2008 performance.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Usain-Bolt
    Supports: Biographical details, Jamaican sprinter identity, and three straight Olympic 100 m and 200 m titles.
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/athletes/a45897247/usain-bolt
    Supports: 100 m and 200 m world records, Olympic achievements, and retirement-era context.
  4. World Athletics — https://worldathletics.org/athletes/jamaica/usain-bolt-14201847
    Supports: Born date, current world record holder status, Olympic and world title totals.
  5. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Usain-Bolt/599850
    Supports: Nickname and general biographical overview.
  6. Usain Bolt official website — https://usainbolt.com/athlete/
    Supports: Athlete biography and Olympic triple-triple framing.
  7. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/sports-and-leisure/usain-bolt
    Supports: Retirement timing, post-retirement activities, and family-life context.