Usain Bolt

What if I told you someone could make the world hold its breath when they ran? That's Usain Bolt — a sprinter from Jamaica many call the fastest human ever.

Born in 1986, Bolt rose to fame in the 2000s and 2010s. He started running as a kid, loved games like cricket and soccer, and trained hard on small island tracks before becoming a global star.

His superpower was pure speed — tall frame and long legs let him take huge strides while staying relaxed. In 2009 he ran 100 meters in 9.58 seconds and 200 meters in 19.19 — records that still stand. He won eight Olympic gold medals and helped set the 4x100m relay world record at 36.84 seconds in 2012.

At big moments like the Olympics and World Championships, cameras zoomed in as he crossed first. His relaxed style, quick final bursts, and giant grin made fans cheer. He even had a fun 'lightning bolt' pose that everyone copied.

Why it matters: Bolt showed what humans can reach with talent and practice, and he made sprinting exciting for millions. Even after retiring in 2017, his records and joy keep inspiring young runners. So when you race a friend, remember—train, smile, and have fun — maybe you'll make the crowd cheer too.