THE autobiography by the triple-gold medal Olympian Usain Bolt charts his story from his humble beginnings in Sherwood Content, Trelawny through to becoming one of the most recognisable men in the world.

In keeping with the personality many have seen at the trackside, Bolt’s narration reflects his playful nature as he tells his journey to become the ‘Fastest Man in the World’.

The book is an easy read that will have you laughing out loud in parts – particularly during his recollection of his childhood and teenage years, when he first entered the world stage. His triumphs on the track were matched by his personal victory of overcoming scoliosis – a spinal condition that could have ended his illustrious career before it had got out of the starting blocks. There are many other poignant moments on the way too, also covered with equal pathos.

Faster Than Lightning also gives an insight into what makes Bolt the ‘Lightning Bolt’, looking at his running style as a result of his stature and also the mental preparations he undertook – he runs first for himself, then his country. Despite being such a winner, the hunger to remain the best is present from beginning to end.

This book is a must-read for those with an interest in one of sport’s most engaging personalities, or simply for those missing the warm glow of London in the summer of 2012.

Usain Bolt is...

  • A Jamaican athlete who was born in August 1986.
  • He won 200m gold at the World Junior Championships aged 15.
  • In 2004 he was the first junior athlete to break the 20-second barrier in the 200m.
  • He broke the 100m world record in only his fifth competitive race, in June 2008 at the Reebok Grand Prix meeting in New York.
  • He then recorded world record times at the Beijing Olympics later that month and at the 2009 World Championships.