BOLT FROM THE BLUE

I recently watched the film “I am Bolt”. It is a behind-the-scenes documentary about Usain Bolt’s rise as the fastest man on earth.

Clearly Bolt was blessed with incredible natural genetic talent but there is more to take from this intriguing insight into the person within the athlete.

His authenticity and groundedness is most striking. Despite becoming a global superstar after the Beijing Olympics in 2008, Bolt remained with the same coach and continued to train in an old stadium in rural Jamaica. Nothing flash. He also stayed loyal to his management team which included his best friend from school.

When interviewed, Bolt was always honest. He was vulnerable and did not put on a “mask” for the film crew.

This honesty revealed four triggers from which we can learn as aspirant champions on our chosen track.

1. Be yourself. Fulfil your purpose. Be the best version of you. That is your competitive advantage. If you try and be someone else, you are immediately playing catch-up. Bolt remained authentic even after signing the big sponsorship deals to make him a millionaire.
2. Allow healthy competition to galvanize your own competitiveness. What ignited Bolt’s spirit when he was feeling lethargic in a new season, was losing to someone else. That always gave him a “wake-up call” and re-lit the fire inside.
3. Take a complete break from the hamster wheel on a regular basis. Bolt was always prepared to listen to his coaches and to his body. This enabled him to be ready, and to deliver at three Olympic Games despite many injuries throughout his career.
4. Have fun. Take your work seriously but not yourself. Bolt danced in the streets with fellow Jamaicans, friends, and family. He constantly joked around. He laughed and smiled. He famously fist-bumped his track marshals before going for gold. He spread happiness, and inclusiveness, wherever he went.

At the end of the film, Bolt says playfully “I am the greatest”. But this was long after his countrymen had acknowledged that he truly is an inspiration, a role model, a hero to millions.

They called him “Lightning” Bolt – fastest man ever. He definitely lit up the track, but he also lit a fire inside millions around the world. This man truly was, and still is, a crackling “bolt from the Caribbean blue”!