What corporate and personal branding lessons can we learn from Usain Bolt?

Sound like a plan. Cricket is popular in Jamaica too because of the same British roots to which you refer. I didn't grow up there though so I don't get cricket. One of my cousins was the head of the cricket association before he passed away too years ago and his son played on one of the teams. I don't know much more about it. As for the running, I leave the marathons to my sister. I love horse riding, though my doctor says it is the horse getting the exercise, not me, I do not agree. Reply

Re: natural ability I am Jamaican but I think got shortchanged in the genetics department. Yes, I used to consistently run races at Sunday School picnics but I was never good at gym and lost interest in sports early on. Meeting cousins who were raised in Jamaica, they all are active in sports. I have a couple who were on soccer and cricket teams and one, who grew up in the USA, had a pro baseball career. Going back in our history, my great-great uncle used to consistently win cycling races and he eventually opened a bicycle shop. Now my son has athletic ability in abundance. Unfortunately, his short-sighted mother pulled him out of all sports and track and field for a semester in grade 6 as his marks weren't as high as I wanted them to be.When I put him back, he had lost interest in track and field but he is still hockey and soccer mad. His 1st cousin did well in tennis. All of this was pre-Usain Bolt when sports were primarily viewed as something to do for recreation. I never saw the earning possibilities. I won't make the same mistake with the grandchildren when they come into being. I would still like to get that Lamborghini before I say sayonara and cross over to the other side. Reply

Anne Thornley-Brown I enjoyed this very well illustrated and written post on what makes Bolt such a unique brand! What might not be so widely known is how he struggled with injury in his early years and his extreme perseverance at overcoming it. Other outstanding sport brands? To me it would be Roger Federer for showing qualities similar to Bolt. Great read - thank you Anne. Reply

Thank you soo much Reply

Irene \ud83d\udc1d Rodriguez Escolar Yes and in the Rio Olympics Jamaicans competed under other flags as well. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/olympics/news/Jamaica-spreading-its-Men-s-100m-talent-across-the-globe_70549 Japanese sprinter, Asuka Antonio ‘Aska’ Cambridge, is half Jamaican. Tha team added a sense of play when they came out as well. It is interesting that Lascelles Brown, formerly of the Jamaican Bobsled team, became a member of the Canadian Bobsled Team after moving to Canada and competed in the Winter Olympics. Oh I found a video with the move. I will add it. Reply

Irene \ud83d\udc1d Rodriguez Escolar The gesture originated with a Jamaican dance move "to the world". It has become his trademark because after he won Olympic gold he would dance and strike that pose. You can see another Jamaican sprinter doing the moves with him step by step after one of their wins. If I can find footage of the first time he did it, I will add it to the post. I do remember they had fun with fans in the stands copying the move. He added a sense of fun and play to the sport. Reply

I did not know that the gesture they repeat so much in school was his, now I'm going to do it too. I love good causes, I love this man (when I was a girl I ran fast). Thank you very much for the article, it has very funny moments. I wish you many successes. And you too. Reply

Excellent comparison. As a Jamaican, I am, of course, aware of Shelley's track record. Ditto Veronica Campbell-Brown. They have had incredible accomplishments in the Olympics but I wonder how well they are known outside of Jamaica. Maybe others will weigh in.To become an international icon is challenging even for those who have pots of money. What Usain Bolt has accomplished is groundbreaking. He has big shoes to fill both on and off the track. Reply