Usain Bolt:

Fastest man on earth

By Premasara EPASINGHE

A Jamaican teenager's hopes were dashed to the ground, when he came 5th in a 200m heat, in Athens Olympic Games in 2004. With determination, dedication and commitment, after eight years, he is now a living legend in world athletics.

Usain St Leo Bolt, who was that man, since then bagged a gold medal every time he competed in an Olympic Final, setting four world records.

His only failure was at the Athens Olympic Games. Further, no one had ever set world records, while winning the 100, 200 and 4 x100 relay in the 116 year old history of modern Olympics, until Bolt did it in Beijing in 2008.

None had won the 200m twice, let alone completed a 100 - 200 double twice, until Bolt did so in 2008 and 2012.

This Jamaican sprint sensation, the fastest man on earth has many firsts". They are hard to emulate.

Today, August 26, this superman Usain Bolt will turn 26.

In this memorable London Olympic Games Bolt, successfully defended his 100 m and 200 m titles. Further, he was also the architect of Jamaican Men's 4 x 100 m relay team's victory of the XXXth Olympic Games.

In the final lap, he finished the race first in 36.84 seconds, and won the gold. His other three team members comprised Nesta Carter, Michael Frater and Yohan Blake.

When Jamaican and USA runners Gay and Blake had a close competition they were pretty much neck to neck. Bolt got the baton from Blake almost even with the last American runner Ryan Bailey for the anchor leg of the race. He dashed at the line, leading Jamaica to the 4 X 100 relay victory with world record timing.

Usain Bolt, triumphed 100m in 9.63 seconds with the second fastest time in history and 200m in 19.32 seconds. The runner-up in both these individual events were Yohan Blake, Bolt's pal and training partner. Usian Bolt was born on August 26, 1986. He grew up in a town called Coxeath, Sherwood, Treclweny District. He lived with his parents in a small town in a small two-bedroom rented house.

His father Wellesley worked in a local coffee company. Jenniffer his mother was a devout church-goer and a housewife. They had a daughter, Christine.Usain Bolt started his primary education at Waldensia Primary School. This great Olympic legend took his first step in Athletics on this ground. In a running event, he was beaten at school.

The wise P.O.G. knew that form is temporary, but class is permanent. He motivated the children. He was keen on cricket and football. Also, he showed promise at athletics. He was awarded a sports scholarship to further his studies at William School. It was here, he realised that he was a fast sprinter.

At that time he was 14 years old. He became the 200m Jamaican School Champion in 2002 at Carifta Games, held in Bahamas. He won gold medals in 200m, 400m with record breaking runs. Thus, a star was born.

Usain Bolt at the age of 15 years was 6 feet 5 inches in height. He took part in world Junior Athletics Championship held in Kingston, Jamaica and won the 200m easily. Commenting on and reminding this achievement, Bolt once said later, "I value this very much like an Olympic Games or World Record".

His first coach was Fitz Coleman. Later he was coached by Glen Mills from Jamaica High Performance Centre, after 2004 Olympics. At this time Bolt was injury prone. He consulted medical experts. The medical men found that Usain Bolt's spine was curved to right and his right leg was half an inch shorter than the left. It affected his pelvis.

He was referred to Hans Muller Wohlfart, for unorthodox Homoeopathic treatment. The good doctor, saved a future world champion and world record breaker and a living legend in athletics.

Usain Bolt is ever grateful to Mills. He was the one who advised him to concentrate on 100m, 200m.

In 2007, with an impressive run, he clocked 19.75 seconds and broke the 200m record of Don Quarrie, which he held for 36 years. Bolt excelled in Japan too.In the Beijing Olympics held in 2008, Bolt won the 100m heat in 10.92, semis in 9.92 and won the event comfortably in 9.85 seconds.

In the 200m, Bolt erased Michael Johnson's record, returning a fantastic time of 19.30 seconds.

The day of the award ceremony was something special for Usain Bolt. It was his 20th birthday. As the Jamaican flag was raised and their National Anthem was played, 100,000 spectators in the stadium chorused "happy birthday to you, our darling Usain Bolt".

At one time, his full-time manager was Nurman Peart. Another person who helped Bolt's career was the Head of marketing - Puma Pascal Rolling. Pace Sports Management's Rickey Simms, became Usain Bolt's Manager. He pays his humble gratitude to all of them.

Usain Bolt is a keen cricket and soccer lover. His favourite soccer team is Manchester United.

The legend in athletics once said smilingly, "I wish and hope that Sir Alex Ferguson will give me a chance to play for his club Manchester United."At the request of Bolt, the yellow baton he carried in the last lap of the 4 X 100 m was presented to this superman by the Olympic Committee - A fine gesture.

It will be one of the most valued treasured souvenirs of Bolt.