Usain Bolt

The fastest human in recorded history — world record holder at 100m (9.58s) and 200m (19.19s) and eight-time Olympic gold medallist.

Usain St Leo Bolt was born in Sherwood Content, Jamaica in 1986 and became the fastest human being in recorded history — the only man ever to hold both the 100m and 200m world records simultaneously for an extended period. His world records of 9.58 seconds for 100m and 19.19 seconds for 200m were set at the 2009 Berlin World Championships and remain unchallenged. He competed for Jamaica from 2004 to 2017, winning 8 Olympic gold medals across 3 Games — the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016. He won 11 World Championship gold medals. His peak speed of 44.72 km/h was reached at approximately the 65-metre mark of his Berlin 100m world record — the fastest measured speed in sprint history. His 6ft 5in frame, with a stride length averaging 2.44 metres, gave him a biomechanical profile conventional wisdom said was too tall to sprint at elite level — his 41 strides to complete 100m compared to rivals' 45-47 was revolutionary. He was stripped of one relay gold after Nesta Carter tested positive for methylhexaneamine, leaving him with 7 Olympic gold medals officially. His showmanship — the lightning bolt pose, engagement with crowds — made him the biggest individual star at three consecutive Olympics and the sport's most recognisable face.

Explosive acceleration, exceptional top speed, dominant in major championships

Greatest sprinter of all time, transformed athletics into global entertainment

• Olympic Gold 100m 2008, 2012, 2016
• Olympic Gold 200m 2008, 2012, 2016
• Olympic Gold 4x100m 2008, 2012, 2016 (team)
• World Champion 100m 2009, 2013, 2015
• World Champion 200m 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015
• World Record 100m (9.58s), 200m (19.19s)