Usain Bolt of Jamaica is recognized as a Guinness World Records Icon
The fastest man in the world, who set the records for the 100-meter sprint (9.58 seconds) and the 200-meter sprint (19.19 seconds) at the 2009 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Berlin, Germany, feels “honoured” to be among a select group of people whose world records have served as an inspiration to people all over the world.
After the London 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships, Bolt announced his retirement from track and field, saying, “I’m always happy to be recognized by Guinness World Records.”
Being among the greats is an honor, and my goal is to become an ICON. It demonstrates how much my work means, and I’m glad to be a part of it.
During a surprise visit to the Edwardian hotel in Manchester, Craig Glenday, Editor in Chief at Guinness World Records, gave Bolt, 38, his ICON award.
Craig remarked: “Usain Bolt is a global ICON who has shown what the human body and spirit are capable of. He is more than just a record-holder.”
“We are honored to acknowledge Usain’s incredible journey as we commemorate 70 years of record-breaking and extend an invitation to everyone to be inspired, involved, and a part of it.”
Bolt is the latest Guinness World Records ICON, joining the likes of celebrity Taylor Swift, polar explorer Preet Chandi, double amputee triathlete Billy Monger, and the world’s tallest and smallest women, Rumeysa Gelgi and Jyoti Amge, respectively.
Bolt holds 15 Guinness World Records titles in addition to the ICON award.
At the 2002 World Junior Championships in Kingston, Jamaica, the eight-time Olympic gold medalist became the youngest male junior world champion, at the age of 15 years and 332 days.
At the London 2012 Olympics, he raced the fastest 4 × 100-meter relay in 36.84 seconds.
Additionally, from 2008 and 2016, Bolt received six IAAF World Athlete of the Year honors, the most of any one person.
