Usain Bolt, the “Fastest Man Alive,” shattered records and redefined sprinting with his electrifying performances. His mastery and astonishing finishes left rivals speechless and fans breathless. Here are 10 unforgettable moments that showcase how Bolt cemented his legacy as the ultimate speedster in track and field history.
Setting His First World Record
When Usain Bolt shattered the 100m world record at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York on May 31, 2008, it was apparent greatness had arrived. Clocking 9.72 seconds with a tailwind of 1.7 m/s, Bolt set the tone for the dominance that would define his career.
Shattering the 100-meter World Record
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Usain Bolt shocked everyone by winning the 100-meter final in a record-breaking 9.69 seconds, despite slowing down to celebrate before crossing the finish line. At that event, Bolt showed off his effortless speed and unmatched confidence with no favorable wind and an untied shoelace.
The Perfect 2009 Berlin Sprint
Bolt took the 2009 World Championships by storm in Berlin and won his first-ever gold in the 100m. His historic 9.58-second finish marked the fastest time ever recorded. This monumental race shattered the previous record by over a tenth of a second and remains unbroken.
The Unforgettable 200m Record
Still, at the 2009 Berlin Championships and just days after setting the 100m world record, he blitzed the 200 meters in 19.19 seconds and broke his own world record. This wonderful ability to dominate both sprint events was unheard of. Bolt showed the world that his greatness knew no limits.
Double Gold in London
Returning to London for the 2012 Olympics, Usain Bolt defended his 100m and 200m titles. Bolt won gold in both events and became the first sprinter to defend Olympic titles and achieve consecutive golds. His remarkable achievements that summer positioned him as one of the greatest Olympians ever.
Record-Breaking Relays
As a key player on Jamaica’s relay teams, Bolt was instrumental in achieving several world records in the 4x100m relay. At the 2012 London Olympics, the team clocked an astonishing 36.84 seconds, which is still a standing record. They had previously set a record of 37.10 seconds in 2008.
The 2013 Moscow Redemption
Following injury setbacks, Bolt returned to the World Championships in Moscow determined to prove himself. In 9.77 seconds, he won the 100-meter race and reaffirmed his status as the fastest man alive. Bolt then claimed gold in the 200m and became the first to win three titles in a championship event.
Dominance at the 2015 World Championships
Coming off a challenging season, Bolt faced stiff competition at the 2015 Beijing World Championships. Despite a slower start due to injuries, he remained composed and edged out Gatlin by just 0.01 seconds in the 100m final. He proved his dominance by winning gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4×100.
Bolt’s Triple-Treble Olympic Triumph
By the 2016 Rio Olympics, Bolt was already a legend. He achieved the historic ‘triple triple’ by winning golds in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay for three consecutive Games. However, in January 2017, the 4×100 relay gold from Beijing 2008 was stripped away due to a teammate’s doping violation.
Final Bow at the 2017 World Championships
His farewell at the 2017 World Championships was emotional. Bolt finished third in the 100 meters, and though he didn’t claim gold, the crowd’s roaring ovation underscored his legendary status. With eight Olympic golds and eleven World titles, Lightning Bolt left the track as the greatest sprinter of all time.
10 Epic Moments From Usain Bolt’s Record-Breaking Career