Statue of Usain Bolt
Multiple Olympic and World champion winner Usain Bolt was immortalised in bronze in this eight-foot statue in his likeness at Jamaica’s National Stadium in December 2017. The statue was sculpted by Jamaican artist Basil Watson and features the 31-year-old in his trademark ‘lightning bolt’ pose, seen many times over the years as he set world records in the 100 and 200 meters, winning 11 world and eight Olympic golds.
A self-described “barefoot yute from country” Bolt is the only sprinter to win Olympic 100 m and 200 m titles at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012, and 2016). He also won two 4 × 100 relay gold medals. He gained worldwide fame for his double sprint victory in world record times at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which made him the first person to hold both records since fully automatic time became mandatory.
“Never did I feel that I would be in this moment, as big as it is now, among statues at the National Stadium where it all began. This is why I always encourage everybody. Anything is possible, no limits. Because at no point in time did I ever think I would achieve this much, but I’ve always pushed on and stayed focused for what I want.”
Usain Bolt
Bolt, who ran his 100-meter record in 2008 with his shoe untied, is said to be able to run as fast as 23.7 miles per hour. At age 23 he became the youngest member of the Order of Jamaica, the equivalent of a knighthood in the British honors system, for “outstanding performance in the field of athletics at the international level”.
Bolt made a cameo appearance in the opening sketch of 13 October 2012 broadcast of Saturday Night Live and was included in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2016. Many people might also be surprised to know that he is also a musician. Bolt made his foray into dancehall music as a producer in 2019 with the EP, Olympe Rosé Riddim, which featured five Jamaican artists. He released two other compilations thereafter, Immortal Riddim and Clockwork Riddim.
“If you have followed my career over the years, you would see me always dancing and listening to music. It’s no secret to the world that I love music. Music has just always been a part of my DNA,” Usain said .
His debut album, ‘Country Yutes’ was released in September 2021 on his label 9.58 Records and hit #1 on the Reggae charts. It is a collaboration with his manager Nugent “NJ” Walker and features the hit single “Living the Dream”
