Superheroes normally come from out of this world, but at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, the world discovered a new Superman from right here on Earth.

Born in Trelawny on the northwest coast of Jamaica on 21 August 1986, and fed on a diet of “dumplings, yam and bananas,” Usain Bolt is a true Caribbean superstar; and a legend in the making at only twenty-two years old. Watch out Tiger Woods, your money-making American crown might just be slipping.

On the 8th Day: Jamaica’s Usain Bolt blows away the rest of the men’s 100m field to claim the Olympic gold medal and a new world record in 9.69 secs. The first Jamaican man to win the title, and he wasn’t even trying.

On the 12th Day: Jamaica’s Usain Bolt obliterates Michael Johnson’s long-held record to storm to victory in the Olympic 200m final in a new world record time of 19.30 secs.

On the 14th Day: Jamaica’s men take 4x100m gold in record 37.10 secs at the 29th Olympic Games in the 91,000 capacity Bird’s Nest Stadium, Beijing, China. The quartet of Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell were just too awesome for the rest of the field in the men’s 4x100m relay final at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

On the Day of Rest: Triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt says winning the 200m gold medal and shaving 0.02 seconds off Michael Johnson’s world record means the most to him as it is his favourite event.

“We wanted to show the world that Jamaica is a special country,” Frater said later, as the country’s medal tally increased to six gold, three silver, and one bronze.

Not bad for a tiny Caribbean island of 2.7 million people. It must be all those yams, dumplings and bananas! What do you think?

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Paul Boakye

Writer, editor and marketing specialist who sat on The Power Inquiry. Former editor and CEO of the consumer lifestyle magazine, Drum (UK), and author of five plays published for an academic audience by Alexander Street Press, USA. Recipient of business and writing awards, including prestigious accolades such as advising British government, BBC radio and TV commentator, and invitation to meet Queen Elizabeth II in 2007. Currently works as a communications professional, creating contagious ideas to help great brands change the conversation to their advantage, across the entire Central and West African region.

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