Usain Bolt Named Guinness World Records ICON for Fastest 100m Sprint Legacy

Jamaican sprint legend, Usain Bolt has been officially honoured as a Guinness World Records ICON, in recognition of his enduring legacy as the fastest man in history and one of the most influential athletes of the modern era.

The award was presented as part of Guinness World Records’ ongoing 70th anniversary celebrations, which highlight individuals who have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to the world of record-breaking.

The announcement was made at a special event in Manchester, where Bolt was surprised by Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief, Craig Glenday, who presented him with the symbolic ICON title.

“Usain Bolt is more than a record-holder. He’s a global icon who has shown the world what the human body, mind, and spirit can achieve,” Glenday said at the event.

Bolt, widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time, holds the current world record in the 100m with an astonishing time of 9.58 seconds, set at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.

He also holds the 200m world record of 19.19 seconds, achieved at the same event. No athlete has come close to breaking either of these times since.

Reacting to the ICON recognition, Bolt expressed appreciation for the honour.

“It shows that the work I put in really matters. Being named a Guinness World Records ICON is special. I’m honoured to be a part of this legacy,” he said.

The Guinness ICON award is not just about athletic performance—it’s a recognition of individuals who have made a profound cultural impact through their record-breaking feats. Bolt now joins a select list of ICONS, including global names like Taylor Swift, adventurers like Preet Chandi, and uniquely gifted individuals such as Rumeysa Gelgi (tallest living woman) and Jyoti Amge (shortest living woman).

Bolt’s career is a catalog of sporting greatness. He remains the only sprinter in history to simultaneously hold the world records in both the 100m and 200m, and the only athlete to win gold in the 100m and 200m at three consecutive Olympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016).

Though he retired from competitive athletics in 2017, his name has never left the conversation—nor the record books.

The ICON award also pays tribute to Bolt’s impact beyond the track. His charisma, humility, and iconic “lightning bolt” pose have made him a beloved global figure, transcending sport and inspiring generations of athletes and fans.

The presentation of this award comes at a time when Guinness World Records is reflecting on seven decades of extraordinary achievements. Bolt’s inclusion as an ICON serves as a reminder that while records may one day be broken, legends like him endure.

With this new accolade, Usain Bolt’s place in history is not only secured by the stopwatch, but also by the indelible mark he has left on the world.