Usain Bolt
A cricket-mad kid from a Trelawny village; still holds both sprint world records.
Usain Bolt was born in 1986 in Sherwood Content, Trelawny, Jamaica. Usain Bolt's background is described as Black Jamaican. Growing up, the family was working class — his parents ran the village grocery shop; water was carried from the river. A cricket-mad kid from a Trelawny village; still holds both sprint world records.
- Born
- 1986 · Sherwood Content, Trelawny, Jamaica
- Roots
- Black Jamaican
- Family
- Working class
- His parents ran the village grocery shop; water was carried from the river.
- Education
- William Knibb Memorial High School
- Started with
- A cricket pitch
- A cricket coach noticed his speed and pointed him at the track.
- Affiliations & societies
- None documented.
- Information only — claims like these are often unverifiable and may be wrong.
The pathway
- 2002 · age 15World junior champion
Wins the 200m in Kingston — the youngest junior world champion in the event.
- 2008 · age 21Beijing triple9.69s
World records in the 100m and 200m; celebrates the 100m before the line, shoelace untied.
- 2009 · age 22Berlin records
9.58 and 19.19 — both still standing.
- 2016 · age 29Third consecutive triple
Eight Olympic golds after a relay disqualification years later.
- 2017 · age 30Retires
After a final world championships in London.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Usain Bolt from?
Usain Bolt was born in 1986 in Sherwood Content, Trelawny, Jamaica. Their background is described as Black Jamaican.
When was Usain Bolt born?
Usain Bolt was born in 1986, in Sherwood Content, Trelawny, Jamaica.
What is Usain Bolt's background or ethnicity?
Usain Bolt's roots are described as Black Jamaican. These are broad categories drawn from public sources, not statements about how the person identifies.
Where did Usain Bolt go to school?
Usain Bolt's education: William Knibb Memorial High School.
What was Usain Bolt's family background growing up?
At birth the family was working class. His parents ran the village grocery shop; water was carried from the river.
How did Usain Bolt get started?
Usain Bolt started with a cricket pitch. A cricket coach noticed his speed and pointed him at the track.
Sources
Compiled from these references and contemporaneous press reporting. Figures are approximate; verify before relying on them.