Bam! The gunshot fired as the nine fastest runners in the world took off. They raced their hearts out, and Usain Bolt of Jamaica pulled ahead. As his lead increased, his mind wandered to what he had accomplished as an athlete in the past. Nine Olympic gold medals, athlete of the year four times, and eleven world championship titles. Yet as he prepared to cross the finish line, Bolt realized that there is more to being the fastest man alive than just titles. One day, there will be a new record-breaking runner and Usain Bolt will be forgotten. However, he could change that, and he could make his mark on the world without running another race, by giving back. Usain Bolt was born and raised in Jamaica, where certain parts are in poverty. He used his sport to turn his life around by working hard and becoming one of the greatest athletes ever. Today, his goal is to inspire young children to achieve their dreams. He helps them by donating athletic equipment and being a good role model for them. Today he is famous for being the fastest man alive, but in the future he will be famous for how much he gives back to his country. He created the Usain Bolt Foundation, which he uses to give back to the people of Jamaica. He travels to Jamaica and donates equipment himself to schools and communities all over the country, while giving inspirational speeches, telling the people to be who they want to be, not who they are told to be.
Many people claim that Usain Bolt is their hero because of his inhuman speed. However being a hero takes more than just incredible athletic ability. Usain Bolt is a real hero because of how he uses his fame and fortune to help others. Many athletes think that being the best at their sport is enough. However, while being the greatest, Usain Bolt knows that it is not enough. His Foundation's mission is the "Creation of opportunities through education and cultural development for a positive change"("Biography"). He hopes to give kids in Jamaica the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
Aside from helping others, Usain Bolt has worked extremely hard to achieve his dreams himself. Starting at a young age, Bolt has competed in three different Olympics: Beijing, London, and Rio. He won gold medals at all three. "Three gold medals, 2008 Summer Olympics; IAAF World Athlete of the Year, Male, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012; three gold medals, 2012 Summer Olympics"("Usain Bolt"). He has won every athletic award for his sport possible. Usain Bolt has also won the male athlete of the year award in 2008, 2009. 2011, and 2012. He competes in three races at each Olympic event, and for the last three Olympic games, he has won gold in all races. Many people claim that Usain Bolt is truly the greatest runner ever.
Bolt has used all of his media attention and fame to inspire people all over the world. He inspires people to be better people, better athletes, and to go for their goals. Even little things he does inspire others. For example, after a race he was getting interviewed, but as he was talking a national anthem from another country came on. He stopped talking and told the cameraman and interviewer to stop and respect the other country. This is very heroic because of his respect, and not being afraid to show it in front of the whole world. He also has been on many talk shows and is not afraid to put himself in the spotlight. However, Bolt always remains humble and respectful. He also always tells the world his honest opinion. "Usain Bolt, an icon for track and field athletics, who has established himself as the greatest sprinter of all-time, brings to the forefront of his global audience the issue of gender equality and ending violence against women and girls."("Biography"). Doing this shows his honest opinion while helping inspire others to stand up for their beliefs.
As he crosses the finish line, Usain Bolt looks back to see the others finish. While still thinking about his past accomplishments, he realizes that his greatest accomplishment was being a true hero, by doing more than just being the fastest man alive. He wins races, helps others, and inspires others. He stands up for what he believes in. Bolt also gives back to the people in need. All of his trophies are important, but his greatest accomplishment is seeing the happy face of a newly inspired kid, who will go out and work hard to become the next Usain Bolt. Works Cited Baskey-East, Sabrina. "Usain Bolt." Usain Bolt (2008): 1. Biography Reference Center. Web. 18 Jan. 2017 "Biography." Usain Bolt. Usain Bolt, 2012. Web. 18 Jan. 2017
Page created on 3/15/2017 12:00:00 AM
Last edited 3/15/2017 12:00:00 AM