It is often said that we are a nation of non-readers; that we dislike books and that they mainly serve as either paper weights or the perfect hiding places for documents and small things that we do not wish to be found. Well these myths were busted recently when the Gleaner Company spearheaded an initiative to publish a book dedicated to the greatest sprinter of all times, Usain St. Leo Bolt. Not only was it a great idea but copies were in such high demand that like magic, they were flying off the shelves and onto the coffee tables of fans ands sport enthusiasts the world over.
The first main caption read, ‘the fastest man alive’, a reference to both his double world records and the famous song done by Movado at the beginning of his ascension to the sporting stratosphere. There is no award, accolade or achievement that has eluded him. Indeed except for the 2017 season, everything that he has set out to do, he has accomplished.
Usain Bolt: Legend, a compilation of photographs and articles spanning almost a decade, is a testament to his powerful and poetic prowess both on and off the track.We all know about Bolt the athlete, but what about Bolt the student, the son, the disc jockey, the friend or the brand icon? There are a myriad of sides to this phenom that has transformed the way people view the very way athletes now get on their marks.
The boy from Sherwood Content in Trelawny grew up and transformed into the megastar that is Bolt – a fitting name gifted to him by his father who had no idea that his hyperactive bundle that often bounced off the walls at home, would one day have the entire world at his feet, on pins and needles every single time he crosses a finish line. Indeed some Jamaicans will tell you that they do not sleep, eat or drink when Bolt lines up for a major event as emotions run high and colourful language rings out even higher.
Part one dubbed ‘Announcing himself to the world’ chronicles the early years from the Beijing Olympics onwards. The pictorial showed him with other athletes, both those who were his nemesis such as Justin Gatlin, as well as team mates in relays including Asafa Powell. It also bears quotes from the big man himself plus inspirational words from the likes of IAAF President Lord Sebastian Coe, Coach Glen Mills, American sprinter Tyson Gay, MVP coach Stephen Francis, Olympian Pablo McNeil, Prince Harry of Britain and British distance runner, Mo Farrah.
To Read More: Purchase your copy of Volume 9 #4– September-October 2017