Usain Bolt won Olympic medals all over the world, from Beijing and London to Rio de Janeiro, but can you guess where he’s actually from?
Usain Bolt is Jamaican. He was born and raised in a small town Sherwood Content, where his parents Wellesley and Jennifer Bolt ran a local grocery store. The former sprinter still lives in Jamaica and currently resides in Kingston.
Growing up Jamaican
Usain Bolt was born in a small town Sherwood Content, about three hours away from the Jamaican capital of Kingston. He was raised by his parents Wellesley and Jennifer Bolt, who ran a small grocery store, and grew up with two siblings – brother Sadiki and sister Sherine.
Bolt acknowledged that his family didn’t have much money, but he never felt deprived. His parents taught him the value of hard work and supported his dream to become a sprinter by attending his races and cheering him on.
He excelled at sports from a young age and spent most of his free time playing cricket and football. Bolt became aware of his running talent while attending Waldensia Primary, and became the school’s fastest sprinter by the age of twelve.
His high school William Knibb Memorial produced several successful athletes, and Bolt’s cricket coach had a hunch he could become one of them. He advised him to focus on running after noticing how fast he was, so Bolt went on to train with a former Olympic sprinter Pablo McNeil.
He showed a lot of promise years before becoming an Olympic champion, and won sprinting events at numerous regional competitions, including the CARIFTA Games in 2003 and 2004. International success was lurking around the corner, and he finally got his chance to shine at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Making His Country Proud
The Rolling Stone described Usain Bolt as Jamaica’s “greatest hero since Bob Marley”, and several other publications echoed this statement. With eight gold medals under his belt, Bolt is the embodiment of the Olympic dream and an inspiration for the young athletes in his homeland.
According to The Guardian, crowds gathered in the streets every time he raced at the Olympics to watch his victory on open-air screens and celebrate together. Even though he’s a national hero in his home country, he can move around freely without being bothered at every turn.
“If you’re a sports star in Jamaica, you have nothing to worry about… You get a lot of love, a lot of respect. No one can even dare think about hurting you, because we’re very proud people, and when you do good for your country, they love you so much, so I have no issue,” Bolt explained.
People in Jamaica don’t love Bolt only because he’s successful, but also because he gives back. According to Damon McLean, the Jamaica Faculty Representative of Track and Field, he created jobs for people in Jamaica by insisting that ads with his sponsors are shot there.
The Olympic champion also enjoys giving back to his local community through the Usain Bolt Foundation, launched with a mission to “create opportunities through education and cultural development for a positive change.”
Bolt’s Favorite Places
Usain Bolt didn’t feel the need to start a new life outside Jamaica after becoming an international superstar and currently resides in Kingston. His homeland is still his favorite place in the world, and he discussed some of his favorite places to see in Jamaica with CN Traveller.
According to Bolt, Montego Bay is home to the best beaches in Jamaica, while Reach Falls offers some of the best views. Kingston is the best place to party, but Montego Bay and Negril are also worth a trip if you enjoy the wild nightlife.
Bolt also recommends trying jerk chicken at his restaurant Tracks & Records but admits that the Coronation Market has the best choice of street food. Jamaica also offers many great spots for a leisurely run with amazing views, including Mona Dam or Heroes Circle.