Usain Bolt's gold on the Olympic track led to a hefty bank balance. Read how the world’s fastest man sprinted his way to $90M.
Updated Aug 3, 2023
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Jamaican track and field athlete Usain Bolt has proven himself the fastest man on Earth and a financial powerhouse. Bolt's unparalleled success on the track and lucrative endorsement deals with major brands like Puma, Nissan, Visa, and Gatorade have fueled his $90 million net worth.
His nine-figure net worth is a testament to his dominance in the sport and ability to capitalize on his superstar status. Beyond his incredible wealth, Bolt is known for his record-breaking performance in track and field events, winning eight remarkable Olympic gold medals and setting numerous world records.
From his humble beginnings in Sherwood Content, Jamaica, Bolt's journey from the small Jamaican town to global fame inspires athletes and entrepreneurs alike.
Net worth | $90 Million |
Born | August 21, 1986 |
Nationality | Jamaican born in Sherwood Content, Trelawny Parish, Jamaica |
Occupations | Professional athlete (retired sprinter) |
Sources of wealth | Professional athletics and brand partnerships |
Asset classes | Startups, real estate, and cars |
Usain St. Leo Bolt, born on August 21, 1986, in Trelawny, Jamaica, became one of the greatest sprinters in the history of athletics. Bolt's career and achievements (and iconic victory pose) have left an indelible mark on Olympic sports.
Growing up in a rural Jamaican town, Bolt displayed exceptional athletic abilities from a young age—he was quickly recognized for his talent. By the time he was in high school, Bolt's potential as a sprinter became evident. Coached by Glen Mills at the Racers Track Club in Kingston, Bolt began to hone his skills and set his sights on the world stage.
Bolt burst onto the international scene at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, astounding the world with his lightning-fast sprints. He set new world records in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4x100 meters relay, becoming the first athlete to hold all three records simultaneously. His unprecedented triple gold medal triumph instantly catapulted him into global stardom.
Undeterred by the pressure, Bolt continued his dominance at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. He set new world records in the 100 and 200 meters, solidifying his legendary status. Bolt's charisma and showmanship further endeared him to fans worldwide, making him a beloved figure on and off the track.
In the following years, Bolt faced fierce competition from rivals like Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin. Despite occasional setbacks and injuries, Bolt remained resilient. At the 2012 London Olympics, he successfully defended his titles in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4x100 meters relay, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest Olympic athletes ever.
However, the Jamaican sprinter faced new challenges in the subsequent years. In the 2013 World Championships in Moscow, he lost to Justin Gatlin in the 100 meters but rebounded to clinch the gold medal in the 100 and 200 meters and the 4x100 meters relay. Bolt's indomitable spirit and ability to rise above adversity only added to his legend.
In 2016, Bolt arrived at the Rio Olympics ready to make history again. Amid speculation about his form and the threat posed by Gatlin, Bolt proved his mettle. He achieved a "triple-triple," winning the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4x100 meters relay for the third consecutive Olympics. Bolt's victories highlighted his unrivaled legacy as the most successful sprinter in Olympic history.
After the Olympics, Bolt continued to compete, but injuries began to take a toll. At the 2017 World Championships in London, his farewell competition, Bolt experienced both triumph and disappointment.
He won a bronze medal in the 100 meters, but an injury had marred his final professional race in the 4x100 meters relay. Nevertheless, a statue of him was unveiled to immortalize his contributions to the sport and celebrate his career.
Usain Bolt won lots of medals throughout his career, earning him an astonishing number of Guinness World Records. With 19 records, Bolt is second only to Michael Phelps in the number of cumulative Guinness World Records he holds in sports.
Some of his outstanding records include the fastest run over 150 meters and 200 meters by a male, the most medals won at the IAAF Athletics World Championships, and the most Olympic gold medals won in the 100 meters and 200 meters. Bolt also holds records for being the first athlete to achieve an Olympic track sprint triple-double and for the highest annual earnings for a track athlete.
In addition to his Guinness World Records, Bolt has received numerous prestigious recognitions. He has been awarded the IAAF World Athlete of the Year title six times in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2016. Bolt has also been honored with the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award four times: in 2009, 2010, 2013, and 2017.
BBC named him Overseas Sports Personality of the Year in 2008, 2009, and 2012. Moreover, Bolt received the Marca Leyenda Award in 2009, which signifies his legendary status in athletics.
Bolt's excellence was celebrated worldwide, including in his native Jamaica. He has been named Jamaica Sportsman of the Year in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2013.
The world record holder was appointed a Commander of the Order of Distinction in October 2008. A year later, at 23, he became the youngest member of the Order of Jamaica, Jamaica's highest honor. This recognition establishes his status as "The Honourable" and allows him to use the post-nominal letters OJ.
Usain Bolt's sporting interests extend beyond athletics. Cricket holds a special place in his heart, with Bolt expressing his admiration for bowlers like Waqar Younis and his enthusiasm for batting legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Chris Gayle, and Matthew Hayden.
During a charity match, Bolt impressively clean-bowled Gayle and even hit a six off his bowling. Bolt's affinity for sports doesn't stop there—he is an avid fan of Manchester United in the Premier League, considering Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy as one of his favorites.
Bolt has also tested his skills in other sports, playing basketball during the NBA All-Star Weekend Celebrity Game and training with the Norwegian side Strømsgodset. In pursuit of his post-retirement dreams, Bolt trained with the Australian club Central Coast Mariners and scored two goals during a friendly match. While Bolt contemplated a football career, he ultimately decided not to pursue it, ending his remarkable sports journey.
In 2016, a captivating documentary titled I Am Bolt provided a deeper glimpse into the life and athletic achievements of the legendary sprinter. Directed by Benjamin Turner and Gabe Turner, the film delves into Bolt's journey to claim three Olympic gold medals.
Usain Bolt is one of the highest-earning athletes in the world. At the peak of his career, he commanded annual earnings of $20 million to $30 million, with the majority stemming from lucrative endorsement deals.
His lifetime partnership with German shoe company Puma, beginning in 2002 and still going strong in retirement, earns him a cool $10 million per year. This long-standing relationship exemplifies their belief in his marketability and contributes to Usain Bolt's net worth.
His endorsement portfolio features brands like Gatorade, Nissan, Visa, Hublot, Virgin Media, and All Nippon Airways. With a jaw-dropping 30-to-1 endorsement-to-salary ratio, Bolt's face graced countless advertisements and even appeared in the popular mobile game Temple Run 2.
But it's not just endorsements that contribute to his immense wealth. Bolt also commands sizable appearance fees, charging $250,000 to $400,000 for participating in track meets. His presence alone can attract enormous crowds, as seen during the 2010 Penn Relay when a record-breaking 55,000 spectators watched him compete.
Between June 2017 and June 2018, Bolt reportedly amassed an impressive $31 million, with only $1 million coming from on-track earnings, highlighting the significant disparity between his achievements on the field and off-field earnings. Bolt became the highest-paid track and field athlete ever, reaping the benefits of his immense popularity and marketability.
In addition to endorsement deals, Bolt's earnings were bolstered by his two-book deal, securing a multi-million-dollar advance from HarperCollins Publishers.
From startups to cars and real estate, Usain Bolt has carefully built a diverse portfolio. Let's delve into his investments, including co-founding Bolt Mobility, launching headphone designs, Champion Shave, Tracks & Records franchises, and a glamorous car collection and real estate holdings.
Lightning Bolt invests in startups, displaying his entrepreneurial spirit by launching and co-founding companies.
One of his startup investments is the electric scooter company Bolt Mobility, which he co-founded in 2018. Bolt Mobility provided electric scooters, including the anticipated Bolt Nano, and other mobility devices to revolutionize urban transportation. Bolt actively promoted the company, appearing in commercials and interviews, emphasizing the need for convenient and eco-friendly transport solutions.
Despite the company's expansion into Europe, Bolt Mobility faced unexpected challenges in July 2022 when it abruptly ceased operations due to investors failing to deliver committed investments.
In addition to investments, Bolt launched his own headphone designs in partnership with SOUL Electronics in 2012. Leveraging his fame and personal brand, Bolt introduced a line of headphones that garnered attention in the audio market.
Bolt also established Champion Shave, a shaving brand aiming to provide high-quality and affordable razors to men globally. This venture sought to make a superior shaving experience accessible to a broader consumer base.
To further solidify his passion for his Jamaican heritage, he co-founded the Usain Bolt's Tracks & Records franchises, with the first location opening in 2011. These restaurants offer an enticing menu filled with mouthwatering delights, from traditional Jamaican dishes like jerk pan and flavorful soups to Bolt-inspired burgers and other signature creations.
In 2020, K.L.E Group acquired full ownership of all the Jamaican franchise locations, including the recent addition of the Montego Bay branch previously owned by hotelier Christopher Issa. This strategic move, aligned with the company's expansion plans, aims to streamline operations, enhance profitability, and bring the renowned Tracks & Records brand to even greater heights.
Usain Bolt also has a penchant for fast cars. His impressive car collection features some of the most coveted and swiftest vehicles in their respective segments.
While most of his cars are known for their performance, one exception highlights his need for an off-road capable vehicle—his customized 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited worth $285,000.
One of Bolt's cars is the navy blue 2008 BMW M3 coupe, a gift from his sponsor, Puma. However, his interaction with the BMW M3 wasn't without incidents, as the young athlete experienced two crashes shortly after acquiring it, perhaps overwhelmed by its high-performance capabilities.
Bolt's cars, including the BMW M3, Nissan GT-R Bolt Special edition, Ferrari California, and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, showcase his love for speed and luxury.
Source: carhp.com
After securing another gold medal in 2012, Bolt partnered with Nissan and received a unique gold-colored 2012 Nissan GT-R Bolt Special to promote the brand. This special edition model holds sentimental value to Bolt. One of the three created was auctioned, with the proceeds dedicated to his charitable organization.
The Jamaican sprinter's collection wouldn't be complete without Ferraris. He purchased a silver Ferrari California in 2009 for $196,000, the first car he bought with his own money.
Bolt also had a brief affair with the red Ferrari F430 Spider, which he later returned to Ferrari after acquiring the Ferrari California. In 2010, he spent a week with a yellow Ferrari 458 Italia, an exhilarating experience on the Fiorano Circuit.
Bolt's most recent and most expensive addition is the black Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV, boasting luxury and power with a price tag of approximately $348,500. Bolt recognizes an SUV's benefits by investing in luxury cars, particularly in navigating Jamaica's diverse terrains.
Usain Bolt's real estate investment choices reflect his success and taste for luxury.
In 2021, Bolt rented the luxurious Sky House penthouse in Australia worth $1.9 million. This extravagant residence is near Brisbane Lake and boasts sophisticated technology and lavish furnishings. Bolt's rental tenure was short-lived, lasting from August 2018 to November 2018. During that time, he paid $17,600, or $1,100 per week, for the Centre Point mega home.
In 2021, Usain Bolt rented the Sky House penthouse in Brisbane Lake, Australia, for $1,100 weekly.
Source: essentiallysports.com
Bolt owns a mansion in his hometown of Kingston, Jamaica, valued at $2.65 million. Located in the affluent Norbrook neighborhood, the precise details of this lavish property remain undisclosed, but it features spacious rooms and premium amenities.
Additionally, Bolt has an expanded real estate portfolio that includes other stunning properties. In London, England, Bolt has a lavish penthouse in a central location, offering breathtaking city views.
In Montego Bay, Jamaica, Bolt owns a beachfront residence with a private infinity pool, outdoor entertainment spaces, and captivating views of the Caribbean Sea.
In 2021, he invested in a property on 30 Hope Road in Kingston, intending to transform it into a business process outsourcing (BPO) center. The 60,000 square feet of land previously housed a radiology center. Bolt also invested in a BPO venture in Montego Bay and developed The 76 Towers on Half Way Tree Road, Kingston.