Last Chance to See Usain Bolt in Jamaica
Jamaica's Track Hero Wins Farewell Race
The career of arguably the greatest track and field athlete ever to run is coming to a close. And the last chance to see Bolt in his native Jamaica in an official race happened on June 10, at the same place where it started over 15 years ago.
Back then, Bolt was a teenager running in the World Junior Games in Kingston’s National Stadium. It would have been impossible to predict that the tall, gangly 15-year old from Trelawny parish would become an international superstar, multiple gold-medal-winning athlete and the fastest man in the history of the planet.
But that is exactly what happened and with Bolt running his last official race in London later in the summer, the Jamaica event was an appropriate homage to the country’s most famous athlete. And, of course, Bolt didn't disappoint.
Fireworks on Track and in Air
The crowd in Kingston's National Stadium erupted as Bolt cross the finish line and his victory was met with a spectacular fireworks display in what was billed as a "Salute to a Legend."
The World Comes Together in Kingston
Fans from all over the island flocked to Kingston – less than a two-hour ride from Ocho Rios and Moon Palace Jamaica – to see Bolt one last time. The Jamaican race was the start of a farewell tour of sorts for Bolt. He willl race only three more times with the capper to his stellar career coming in London in the World Championships.
He admittedly has nothing left to prove, but decided to keep racing this summer to give back to the fans that have supported him for so long.
Four Olympic champions, six World Champions and three World Record holders, not including Bolt were in attendance to see his last race, including Allyson Felix, Mo Farah, David Rudisha and former English Olympic champion Sebastian Coe, who is currently the president of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF).
Not Even Nerves Could Slow Usain
Bolt admitted that he was nervous before his last official race in Jamaica, and though his time didn't please him, he celebrated the victory by singing and dancing for the crowd afterward.
The Island Comes to a Standstill
Bolt won 9 Olympic gold medals (although one has been rescinded because of rules violation by a teammate in 2008), and has world records in the 100 and 200 meter races – generally considered the two ultimate speed competitions in track and field.
When the Jamaican wonder races, the country comes to a standstill in anticipation, and he seldom, if ever, disappoints. The race was shown at the Moon Palace Jamaica for guests and staff alike and Bolt’s own Tracks and Records Restaurant in Ocho Rios – opened last year – also tracked its star owner.
As well as honoring Bolt in his last Jamaica meet, Jamaica’s Minister of Sport recently announced that the living-legend would also be immortalized with the commissioning of a statue to be built at Statue Park on the grounds of the National Stadium.
