On a night when the world’s eyes turned once again to Jamaica for answers to the age-old question—who is the World’s Fastest Man?—one legendary figure was impossible to ignore, even from high above the action. Usain Bolt, the greatest sprinter of this century, watched from a sky box in Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium as the next generation of speedsters vied for glory. His presence, both literal and symbolic, loomed over a sport still searching for a star of comparable magnitude, eight years after Bolt’s retirement.
As the track buzzed with anticipation, all signs pointed to Oblique Seville, who might soon claim the title of 100-meter world champion. Yet, it was Bolt’s shadow—his legacy, his records, his unmistakable charisma—that seemed to color every stride. Since Bolt last competed at the 2017 World Championships in London, no athlete has managed to eclipse his times or rival his global fame. The numbers are staggering: eight Olympic gold medals, eleven world championship golds, and three world records—9.58 seconds in the 100 meters, 19.19 in the 200 meters, and 36.84 in the 4x100 relay. All of these marks still stand, untouched, as of September 2025.
Bolt’s dominance is not just a matter of statistics. In an interview before Sunday night’s races, he reflected on what it means to be the benchmark for an entire sport. “When I was competing, I was working to break the benchmark,” Bolt said. “Now that I’ve retired, it’s a great feeling to know that I’m the benchmark if you want to be the best, you want to be a legend. I wanted to set high standards and I did. I’m happy about that.”
And what standards they are. In the eight years since Bolt hung up his spikes, no runner has come within 0.12 seconds of his blistering 100- or 200-meter world records. This, despite a world where shoe and track technology have advanced by leaps and bounds. When asked why his records have proven so durable, Bolt didn’t hesitate to offer a candid explanation. “Do you really want the answer? We’re just more talented,” he quipped. “You look at it. I’m just saying, you can’t run faster (just) with brand-new spikes.”
It’s a bold claim, but one that’s hard to refute given the evidence. Over the past decade and a half, the sport has seen innovations in footwear, improved track surfaces, and ever-more sophisticated training regimens. Yet, the Jamaican’s records remain unassailable, a testament to both his raw talent and relentless work ethic. Bolt’s blend of speed and showmanship was, and remains, something entirely unique.
But speed is only half the story. Bolt’s true genius might lie in his ability to transform the track into a global stage, one where entertainment and athleticism went hand in hand. His signature bow-and-arrow pose, his easy victory laps to the sound of reggae, and that infectious, mile-wide grin—these weren’t just quirks, but integral parts of a persona that drew millions to the sport. “It’s the personality,” Bolt said. “I think a lot of people, they try to be fun but it comes off different. It’s just having a good time. If you try too hard, it’s not going to be the same. But I was just having a good time. That’s how I looked at it. I tried to engage with fans and that’s why they gravitated to it.”
Indeed, Bolt’s approachability and joy were a breath of fresh air at a time when the Olympics—and track and field in particular—needed a jolt of energy. His presence turned every race into a celebration, a personality-driven spectacle that transcended mere competition. For fans and fellow athletes alike, Bolt was more than just a runner; he was the heart and soul of the sport.
Sunday’s appearance in Tokyo marked Bolt’s first at a major championship since his emotional farewell in London back in 2017. Much has changed in his life since then. Now 39, Bolt is the proud father of a five-year-old daughter, Olympia Lightning Bolt, and four-year-old twin sons, Saint Leo and Thunder Bolt. To them, he’s just Dad, not the global icon whose feats left crowds breathless and records shattered.
But even that is set to change, as Bolt looks ahead to the next World Championships in Beijing, scheduled for 2027. It’s a city with special significance: Beijing was the site of his breakout performance at the 2008 Olympics, where he set three world records and won three gold medals, launching his career into the stratosphere. “I’m excited because I get to bring my kids and I can tell them, ‘Listen, this is where it all happened,’” Bolt shared. “I’ve shown my kids videos and stuff like that. They’ll be 6 and 7, and they’ll kind of understand the moment, and I can explain to them what their dad has done over the years.”
For Bolt, the chance to share his legacy with his children in the very place where it all began is a dream come full circle. It’s a reminder that while records may eventually fall, the stories and memories created on the track endure. His children, still too young to fully grasp the scale of their father’s achievements, will soon have the opportunity to witness firsthand the reverence and awe he commands in the world of athletics.
Meanwhile, the sport continues its search for the next transcendent star. Oblique Seville’s emergence as a possible 100-meter world champion has sparked hope among Jamaican fans and track enthusiasts worldwide. Yet, as Sunday night’s events made clear, Bolt’s legacy is a tough act to follow. His combination of record-breaking speed, magnetic personality, and genuine love for the sport has set a bar that, for now, remains out of reach.
As the lights dimmed on another unforgettable night in Tokyo, the message was clear: Usain Bolt may no longer race, but his influence is everywhere. Whether it’s in the dreams of young sprinters, the cheers of the crowd, or the records that still stand, Bolt’s spirit continues to animate the sport he once ruled. And with the next generation waiting in the wings, the world will keep watching—wondering who, if anyone, can ever truly fill his shoes.
For now, the track belongs to those who dare to chase history, but the legend of Usain Bolt endures, as vibrant and uncatchable as ever.
