Usain Bolt

World's undisputed fastest man from 2008 to date

Premasara EPASINGHE

When Justin Gatling (USA), was celebrating his 100 metre triumph, in Athens in 2004, a Jamaican teenager's hopes were dashed to the, ground, when this particular Jamaican came fifth (5) in a 200 metres heat. In a matter of four (4) years, this young man with determination, dedication, commitment and discipline earned the Epithet - Fastest Man on Earth in the Olympic Games held in Beijing, China - 2008. His name is Usain St Leo Bolt, popularly known as Usain Bolt.

In May 2008, in USA, Bolt's world record in 100 m, was 9.74 seconds, Olympics 2008 at Beijing, China, his timing was 9.69 seconds and in August in Germany he improved the 100 m record to 9.58 seconds.

What will be timing in Olympic Games 2012?

Usain Bolt's first coach was Fitz Coleman. Both the coach as well as athlete Bolt were not keen of properly tuned to participate in 2004 Olympics. But, the intense pressure from the islanders of Jamaica, in the Caribbean Sea, South of Cuba and West of Haiti, in an area of 10,957 sq km/ 4,230 sq ml (Capital Kingston) was too much and Bolt participated. It was not an auspicious start in his debut Olympics. Bolt selected a new coach after the Olympics. His name was Glen Mills. He was from Jamaica High Performance Centre.

Mills' first concern - why Bolt was injury proned. He consulted Medical experts. The medical men found out that Bolt's spine was curved to the right, and his right leg half an inch shorter than the left. It affected his pelvis. He was referred to Hans Muller Wohlfart for unorthodox Homeopathic Treatment. This good doctor saved Bolt's athletic career.

Usain Bolt grew up in a town called Coxeath, Sherwood content, Treclweny District. He was born in the month of August 1986. He lived with his parents in a small two-bedroom rented house. His father Wellesley, worked in a local coffee company. His mother Jenniffer was a devout church goer and a housewife. They had a daughter - Christine.

Usain Bolt attended Waldensia Primary. This great "Olymic Star" took his first steps in Athletics in this school grounds. In a running event, he was beaten at school. The Master-in-charge of sports, POG - knew that form is temporary and class permanent. He motivated the kid. Added to all this his parents and teachers were strict disciplinarians and Usain was directed on the correct path. Like most of the Jamaican kids, he was keen on cricket and football. He showed promise at Athletics. He was fortunate that he was awarded a sports scholarship to further his studies at William Knibb school. It was really at this school, he realized that he was a fast sprinter. He was 14 years then. A keen student.

With proper guidance and training, Bolt became stronger - he was fit as a fiddle. He won 200 metres at Jamaican school championships and in March 2002 at Carifta Games. This Caribbean Athletic celebrations were held in Bahamas. He won Golds in 200, 400 metres with Record-breaking runs. Thus a star was born.

At the age of 15 plus, Uvais Bolt now 6ft 5 inch in height, took part in world junior athletics championships held in Kingston, Jamaica and won 200m with ease. Reminiscing this race, Bolt said "I cherish this win more than my record-breaking sprint of Olympic and world Championships. In the meantime, Norman Peart became his full-time manager. The marketing Head of Puma - Pascal Rolling, helped him with sponsorship packages. Pace sports management's Rickey Simms, became Bolts' Agent. Now, he is a like a professional athlete. Everything was falling to proper places, for Usain Bolt.

His coach Mills, advised him to concentrate on 100 and 200 metres. In 2007, with an impressive run in 19.75, 200 m and broke 36-year-old record of Don Quarrie. Later, he participated in a meet in Japan. He was determined to be the best in world in 100 and 200 metres. Before leaving to participate in the olympics in Beijing, he trained in London. Presently, he is training for the 2012 Olympics which will be held in London.

In the 29th Olympic Games, held in 2008 at Beijing, China, there were 11,000 (Eleven thousand) Athletes from two hundred and four (204) countries Beijing stadium a marvel, was constructed at a cost of 423 (four hundred and twenty three) million dollars. It was an unbelievable structure. All credit should go to China for staging one of the best Olympics in the history.

It was on this marvelous, breath taking stadium in front of more than 100,000 spectators, and billion viewers all over the globe, on 15th August 2008, Usain Bold started his quest on three gold medals. In USA May 2008, Usain Bolt's timing was 9.72. Then after August 2008 (Olympics) he returned the time of 9.69 and in August 2009 in Germany his timing was 9.58.

100 m - 2008 - Olympics

Beijing Olympics 2008, the 100 m heats, he won the first place with timings of 10.20, 9.92, in semis, he returned the time 9.85. He won the event comfortably.

The most important day of Bolt's life dawned. The three Jamaicans - Frater, Powell, Bolt (third lane), Trinidad's Marc Burns, Richard Thompson, Americans, Walter Dix, Darvis Patton, Dutch Antilles Churandy Martina, they all settled into their blocks. The gun went. Tens of thousands of flash bulbs exploded. At 60 and 80 metres, Bolt was in front. A new world record - 100 m 9.69. The TV camera fanned at Bolt's family. They were in cloud nine. Bolt found them in the screen. Draped in his proud Jamaican Flag, he performed the victory lap. Cheers all round - "Bolt - Bolt - Bolt" - filled the air.

200 m 2008 Olympics

Bolt easily won his 200m heats. The finals came. The BBC commentator was Michael Johnson, who won the 1996 Atanta Olympic 200 with 19.32. Bolt erased Johnson's Record by returning a fantastic time of 19.30. seconds.

The award ceremony, had some sentimental value. It was the 20th birthday of Usain Bolt. As the Jamaican flag and national anthem played nearly 100,000 spectators yelled "Happy Birthday Usain Bolt".

Relay - 2008 Olympics

In the relay event - Jamaican team consisted of Nestar Carter, Michael Trater, Usain Bolt, and Asafa Powell. They won the gold medal. A world record was established - timing - 37.10.

When the Jamaican Team arrived at Norman Manlay Airport, in September 2008, thousands flocked and gave them a rousing welcome. They were like the new kings of Jamaica and Prime Minister Bruce Golding welcomed them.

Unassuming Bolt was a car lover. He had about seven cars - while driving his BMW M3, the car skidded rolled off the road, thrice and fell into a ditch. Thank God - Usain Bolt escaped without any injuries. Bolt became a millionaire. "Money did not change me. I am the same old happy so lucky man Usain Bolt.

I have not forgotten my roots" Bolt expressed. Jamaica bestowed him with the prestigious title "Order of Jamaica", making him - Honourable Usain St Leo Bolt. He lives with his brother Sadiki. He loves music and dancing. He is a good Samiritan and helps the poor kids. He helps the down-trodden people. His priorities are education, sports, health and sanitation.

Uvais Bolt is keen to play cricket and soccer, his childhood dreams. His favourite soccer team is Manchester United.

"I wish that Sir Alex Ferguson, will give me a chance to play for his club in MU" smilingly stated.

He said that he does not mind if the Queen Elizabeth awarding him a Knighthood.

"Then people will address me as Sir Usain St Leo Bolt". This is one of my ambitions" stated Bolt.

On Sunday 5, 2012, probably, Uvais Bolt will line up for Olympic, 100 metres final in London. If everything goes well, Usain Bolt will be declared again Fastest Man on Earth.

I presume, the chief guest at 2012 Olympics, Queen Elizabeth will include Usain Bolt name in the list after the 2012 Olympics in London.

It will be another dream coming true.

The Fastest Man on Earth will go down in the history as Sir Usain St Leo Bolt.

Jamaican sprint icon Usain Bolt and Australia's Sally Pearson (100 m hurdles champion) were named as Athletes of the year 2011, by IAAF, in Monacco last month. It should be mentioned here the fastest Man on Earth, Usain Bolt wins this prestigious award for the third time - 2008, 2009, 2011. The 25-year-old Bolt, also retained his 200 m crown at the World Championships held in Daegu. Bolt also helped Jamaica defend the 4 X 100 m relay in a New World Record time - 37.04 seconds. In South Korea, Bolt squandered his chance to defend his 100 m World Crown, when he was disqualified for a false start. His compatriot Yohan Blake won the event. Both Athletes - Bolt and Pearson collected their cheques amounting to $ 100,000 respectively.