Usain Bolt

Jamaican Usain 'Lightning' Bolt is arguably the most celebrated sportsman in the world. From the relative obscurity of being a world-class 200 metres runner and winner of the Athletics World Championship silver medal in 2007, Bolt has elevated himself to iconic stature with his incredible world record runs in the 100 metres and his unbelievable performances at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He is already being touted as the 'saviour' of track and field athletics and has been a fantastic ambassador for Jamaica, the Caribbean and the entire global African diaspora. This 22 year-old promises astonishing feats to come and his performances indicate that he is more than ready to fulfil those promises. Already a track phenomenon at the precocious age of twelve, this uncomplicated country boy leads the new generation of Caribbean stars who chose to stay at home, and train, study and work in familiar climes. His story is an inspiration to all and his instant celebrity shows the power of the media and the importance of the Olympic Games even in today's crowded sports calendar.

Mike Rowbottom is a freelance journalist who writes widely on sport, and whose current job titles include chief features writer on He has covered the last five summer Olympics and four Winter Olympics for The Independent, for whom he wrote a weekly humorous column for seven years. He has also worked for the Daily Mail, The Observer, The Times, The Guardian and the late lamented Sunday Correspondent. He co-authored the autobiography of Olympic 400m silver medalist Roger Black, entitled How Long's The Course?

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