The Expectations for Usain Bolt competing in Rio 2016 summer Olympics
Although the exact figure is unknown, it is widely believed that Jamaican track and field superstar Usain Bolt’s net worth exceeds $30 million USD. The general consensus is that Bolt is the fastest man in history, and he holds the world records for both the 100 and 200-meter races (he is the only runner to have ever simultaneously held both of these records since time measurements became standardized in 1977). Of course, this all extremely impressive for a boy who grew up in a small town in Trelawny Parish, Jamaica and dreamed of being a cricketer.
Among the many nicknames, Bolt’s earned over the course of his illustrious career is “Fast Man, Fast Car”, a moniker which came to be after Bolt got a hold of the incredibly rare (and incredibly fast!) Ferrari F430 Spider. Look at Usain Bolt test drives Ferrari in 2010
Of course, Usain Bolt could easily afford a Ferrari. In 2012 and 2013 he was one of the world’s highest-earning athletes, having earned more than $24 million USD during this time. The majority of this wealth was generated through endorsement deals with Nissan, Virgin, Visa, Digicel, Puma (probably Bolt’s most lucrative endorsement deal) and more.
He has also made a great deal from his special public appearances. For instance, when Usain Bolt ran at the 2010 Penn Relay at the Universtiy of Pennsylvania with his Jamaican relay team, anyone wishing for an on-the-track meet and great with the crowd favorite had to shell out a quarter of a million dollars for the privilege! Bolt didn’t faild to disappoint during the race either, as he leads the yellow and green to victory and another record setting time in the 4 by 100 relay.
There are many out there who believe the Bolt’s personal fortune could balloon to a whopping $100 million USD if he does well at this year summer Olympic games in Brazil. The cash is apparently starting to roll, as Bolt recently signed a large endorsement agreement with Nippon Airlines of Japan. Still, there are others who believe that American sprinter Justin Gatlin may be nipping at Usain Bolt’s heels. Gatlin actually “broke” Bolt’s record for the fastest 100-meter dash when he ran the same distance in 9.45 seconds (Bolt’s record).
However, Gatlin’s time is unofficial as it was on a Japanese television show instead of an officially sanctioned race, and there was a wind machine behind him that was blowing gusts of 20 miles per hour helping to propel him down the track. Wind machine or not, there are some (including sports think tank Infostrada) who are picking Gatlin over Bolt for the 100-meter race at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
What many are also wondering is if these upcoming Olympics will be the last opportunity that we get to see Bolt race competitively. There have been reports in the Jamaican media that Bolt has meant with the former American sprinter Michael Johnson to discuss the future. Johnson famously retired from sprinting while he was at the top of his game, only to later come back yet be unable to capture his former glory.
Whether or not he races again in 2020 or if this year will mark his last Olympic outing, one thing that’s for sure is that we’ve yet to see the last -or even the best- from Usain Bolt. Personally, I would like him to beat his own world record for the 200 meter by completing the race in under 19 seconds, maybe even under 18 seconds. I fully believe that he’s capable of doing so, and I’m not the only one.
Find out more from Usain Bolt Story.
Being the World’s Fastest Man