The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Sports›Track and field›Usain Bolt
Sports • 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.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Usain Bolt is a retired Jamaican sprinter widely regarded as one of the greatest track and field athletes in history. He won three consecutive Olympic 100 m and 200 m titles, set world records in the 100 m and 200 m, and helped Jamaica win relay gold medals. His performances are a benchmark in the sport, watched closely by Canadian track and field fans.

Early life

Usain Bolt was born on 21 August 1986 in Sherwood Content, Jamaica. He grew up interested in sport and developed into an elite sprinter.

Olympic career

Bolt became a global star at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he won the 100 m, 200 m, and 4 × 100 m relay. He repeated that triple in 2012 and 2016, making him the first athlete to win three Olympic sprint trebles.

World records and legacy

Bolt holds the men’s 100 m and 200 m world records and was central to Jamaica’s relay success. He is widely described as one of the greatest sprinters of all time.

Post-retirement

After retiring from athletics, Bolt briefly explored professional football and has remained a prominent public sports figure. Later accounts also describe him focusing on family life.

Key facts

  • Bolt won Olympic gold in the 100 m and 200 m at three straight Games: 2008, 2012, and 2016.
  • He set world records of 9.58 seconds in the 100 m and 19.19 seconds in the 200 m at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.
  • He earned eight Olympic gold medals and eleven world championship titles according to World Athletics.
  • He is nicknamed “Lightning Bolt.”
  • He retired from elite athletics after the 2017 World Championships.
🍁
Canadian context

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.

Frequently asked 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.
What is Usain Bolt’s nickname?
He is widely nicknamed “Lightning Bolt.”
When did Usain Bolt retire?
He retired from elite athletics after the 2017 World Championships.

References

  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.