Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has been officially named a Guinness World Records ICON, in recognition of his enduring dominance in track and field and his unbroken world records that continue to defy time.
The announcement was made this week by Guinness World Records, honouring Bolt not just for his achievements, but for the global inspiration he represents in the world of sport. More than a decade since his final competitive race, Bolt remains the fastest man in recorded history—his 2009 100m sprint time of 9.58 seconds still untouched.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, Bolt holds three world records: the 100m, 200m, and as part of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team. These records have endured through generations of sprinters, further cementing his legacy as an unmatched figure in athletics.
Reacting to the honour, Bolt shared his gratitude with characteristic humility and pride: “Being recognised by Guinness World Records as an ICON means a lot. My dream was to make history—and I did that on the track. But it’s what those moments mean to people that matters most.”
Guinness World Records described Bolt’s recognition as ICON status as being reserved for individuals whose achievements have had a profound and lasting impact. Previous ICON recipients have included groundbreaking figures in entertainment and science, but Bolt becomes one of the few athletes to receive the distinction solely for sporting excellence.
Now retired from competition, Bolt remains active as an entrepreneur, music producer, and ambassador for youth empowerment through sport. His legacy continues to shape the future of sprinting and serves as a source of motivation for athletes across the globe, especially in the Caribbean, where he remains a national treasure.
Even in an era of super shoes and high-tech training, no one has come close to rewriting the records Bolt set in Berlin more than 15 years ago. This ICON status simply confirms what the world already knows—Usain Bolt didn’t just run fast. He ran into history.
