Usain Bolt is one of the most successful athletes and Olympians that the world has ever seen. Bolt was born in Jamaica in 1986 and it was clear from a young age that the sprinter had immense talent. By the age of twelve, Bolt had effortlessly become the fastest runner over one hundred meters in the school he attended at that time. From then, he has progressed to being widely known as the fastest running human in the world. This incredible feat has contributed to Bolt’s success and in turn has resulted in him having a current net worth of $30 million dollars. This is expected to increase substantially when the current Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro come to an end. Bolt did not just become the incredible athlete that he is without a lifetime of hard work. Let’s take a look at how exactly Bolt has become such a success and made his millions.
How did Usain Bolt make his money?
Having competed in many school athletics events in sprinting, Bolt got the chance to prove himself on the world stage at the 2002 World Junior Championships. Aged just fifteen at the time, Bolt stood out standing at 1.96 metes tall. Bolt won the two hundred meter race which made him youngest world-junior to win a gold medal. Ironically enough, Bolt got so nervous before the race, he put his shoes on the wrong feet and although he took the win, he vowed to never let nerves take over before a race again.
The win at the 2002 World Junior Championships was the start of many victories for Usain and the big turning point in his career came at the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing. It was at these Olympic games that Usain set three world records and returned home with three gold medals. The records set by Bolt in 2008 also meant that he was the first ever Olympian to not only win but set records during the same Olympic games.
Usain’s immense success continued during the 2012 Olympic games which were held in London. There he won three more gold medals while also breaking yet another record – his relay team finished in an impressive 36.48 seconds.
Usain did not get the nickname ‘Lightning Bolt’ for no reason and he has incredible personal bests of 9.58 seconds for the one hundred meter sprint and just 19.19 seconds for the two hundred meter sprint.
As well as making his millions from his incredible success on the running track, Bolt has made a considerable amount of money from sponsorship’s and endorsements. Being one of the most well-known athletes in the world, it came as no surprise when one of the world’s leading sports brands, Puma, teamed up with Bolt. The full details of Bolt’s contract with Puma have never been disclosed but there have been several reports that it amounts to an estimate of approximately $10 million per year. Bolt has shown great loyalty to Puma and has recently signed a deal until the year 2025 with the sports brand.
Puma were not the only company looking for a piece of Usain ‘Lightning’ Bolt. American energy drinks giant Gatorade created a new drink dubbed ‘Gatorade Bolt’.
Between his success on the track and the impressive endorsement deals Bolt has been lucky enough to be part of, it comes as no surprise that his current net worth of $30 million is steadily on the rise!
Where does Usain Bolt live?
Usain Bolt purchased a luxury home in his home country of Jamaica. Having grown up in Sherwood Content, Jamaica in a modest house with his family, Bolt decided to purchase a house in his native country. Although he is now worth an estimated $30 million, Bolt’s parents still live in their modest abode.
As well as his luxury home in Jamaica, Bolt has recently been linked to purchasing a luxury property on Run Cay Island in the Bahamas. The ocean front property is said to be valued at millions of dollars.
As well as owning the two luxury properties, Bolt owns various luxury cars and uses a private jet to travel the world to various events and competitions.
Usain Bolt’s Personal Life & FAQ’s
Bolt grew up with his parents Wellesley and Jennifer Bolt as well as his sister Sherine and brother Sadiki. To this day, Usain’s mother is the first person he will look for after he competes in a race. Usain Bolt is currently single and does not have any children.
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How much did Usain Bolt earn last year?
It has been reported that last year Usain Bolt earned an estimated $20.3 million. This year his annual earnings will be considerably higher due to his participation in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
What are Usain’s other interests?
Usain Bolt is a life-long fan of British Premiership team Manchester United. Bolt was quoted at the 2008 Beijing Olympics saying that when he retires from sprinting he would like to play soccer and try out for Manchester United. At the time, then manager Sir Alex Ferguson said that he may be in with a chance of getting a try-out for the team sometime in the future.
In the last few months Bolt reiterated his desire to play for the Red Devils and said he would only play for them if the team was not under manager Louis van Gaal. Much to Bolt’s delight, Jose Mourinho has since taken on the new manager’s role and his dream to try out for the team when he retires has been rekindled.
Usain Bolt’s Charity Work and Philanthropy
Usain Bolt has always been a great advocate of giving back to those less fortunate than himself and almost five years ago, he started the Usain Bolt Foundation. The foundation’s main mission is to create equal opportunities through both education and cultural development. Bolt hopes that this will result in a positive change for all those who benefit from the Usain Bolt Foundation.
To date, the foundation has helped people all over the world but Bolt is very passionate about helping those who helped him back when he was in high school. Bolt often returns to his old school and with the help of the foundation has provided them with sports equipment and supplies as well as making a donation of $1.3 million to help set up a sports program for young girls and boys. Further to that the foundation has helped support sick children in raising vital funds for a pediatric cardiac unit in one hospital in Bolt’s native Jamaica.
Bolt has said he will retire after the 2016 Rio Olympic games which ironically enough end on the day of his thirtieth birthday. His time competing in the Olympics may be coming to an end but there is no doubt that Usain Bolt’s legendary profile and net worth will continue to rise for many years to come.
