Eleven-time world champion and 8-time Olympic gold medalist, Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt attended the ‘Run the World’ event at Expo 2020 Dubai. The 1.45km Family Run was for charity and sent out a message that sports, health and wellbeing should be accessible and inclusive, representative of society at large. Usain Bolt has repeatedly challenged definitions of what’s possible – pushing boundaries, setting records and making history.
The sporting legend also brought an extra air of excitement to the Jamaica Pavilion, which has also been voted as the coolest pavilion at World Expo. The Commissioner General of Section, Jamaica Pavilion at World Expo 2020 Dubai, Essie Gardner, provided him with a guided tour of the Pavilion.
Ms. Essie Gardner stated, “The excitement generated by Bolt’s visit to the pavilion was electric. Patrons, adults and children alike, camped out at the pavilion hoping for an opportunity to meet the living legend. And he seemed to enjoy the tour.”
Bolt interacted with visitors, made himself available for photo opportunities and signed memorabilia. He spent time at his representation in the sports zone of the pavilion. He reflected on some of the moments captured on the display video and his maquette on show.
Acknowledged as the greatest sprinter of all time, Usain Bolt has his name inscribed on a multitude of world records. Jamaica has consistently swept Olympic sprinting events and continues to produce the fastest sprinters in the world. The country’s electrifying performance at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics validates its claim to athletic fame. “We have living legends that are there to encourage the kids and just being present. And this also adds to the success that you see at the Olympics,” said David Riley, President of the Jamaican Track & Field Coaches Association.
“Usain Bolt, who is Jamaica’s most decorated Olympian and arguably one of the best sprinters of all time, is one of the track icons motivating the country’s youth.”