Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has added yet another prestigious accolade to his glittering legacy, being named a Guinness World Records ICON in recognition of his record-breaking career and global impact.
Bolt, widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time, holds the world records in both the 100m (9.58 seconds) and 200m (19.19 seconds), set at the 2009 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Berlin. Now 38, the eight-time Olympic gold medalist said he was “honoured” to be part of the exclusive group of ICONS who have inspired the world through their extraordinary accomplishments.
“I’m always happy to be recognised by Guinness World Records,” said Bolt, who retired from competitive athletics following the 2017 World Championships in London.
“I’m honoured to be part of the greats, being an ICON is what I strive for. It shows that the work I put in really matters, I’m happy to be part of it.”
Bolt received the ICON certificate during a surprise visit from Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief at Guinness World Records, at the Edwardian hotel in Manchester.
“Usain Bolt is more than just a record-holder,” said Glenday. “He’s a global ICON who has demonstrated what the human body and spirit are capable of. As we celebrate 70 years of record-breaking, we’re honoured to recognise Usain’s extraordinary journey and invite people everywhere to get inspired, get involved, and be part of it.”
Bolt joins a select list of Guinness World Records ICONS that includes double amputee triathlete Billy Monger, polar explorer Preet Chandi, pop megastar Taylor Swift, and record-holders like the tallest and shortest women in the world, Rumeysa Gelgi and Jyoti Amge.
In addition to his newly minted ICON status, Bolt holds 15 Guinness World Records titles. These include the fastest 4×100m relay time of 36.84 seconds, achieved at the London 2012 Olympics; the most IAAF World Athlete of the Year awards, which he won six times between 2008 and 2016; and the distinction of being the youngest male junior world champion at just 15 years and 332 days old, following his gold medal performance at the 2002 World Junior Championships in Kingston, Jamaica.
This ICON honour cements Bolt’s status not only as a sporting titan but also as a symbol of excellence whose influence extends far beyond the track.