Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has been awarded a special Guinness World Records ICON certificate as part of the organisation's 70th anniversary celebrations.
The 38-year-old athlete received the honour during a surprise presentation in Manchester, where GWR Editor-In-Chief Craig Glenday handed him the certificate.
The ICON award recognises individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their fields and inspired people worldwide. Bolt joins an exclusive group of recipients who have been honoured with this special recognition.
The presentation marks another milestone for the sprinter, who already holds multiple world and Olympic records in both the 100m and 200m events.
Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has been awarded a special Guinness World Records ICON certificate as part of the organisation's 70th anniversary celebrations
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Bolt's athletic achievements include the world record for the 100m sprint, which he set at 9.58 seconds in 2009. His Olympic record for the same distance stands at 9.63 seconds, achieved during the London 2012 Games.
The Jamaican athlete also dominates the 200m category with a world record time of 19.19 seconds, established in 2009. His Olympic record in this event is 19.30 seconds, set at the Beijing 2008 Games.
These times remain unbeaten, cementing Bolt's status as the fastest man in history. His records have stood for over a decade, demonstrating the exceptional nature of his performances on the track.
Usain Bolt has eight Olympic gold medals to his name
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On receiving the special honour, the former sprinted said: "I'm always happy to be recognised by Guinness World Records. I'm honoured to be part of the greats, being an ICON is what I strive for. It shows that the work I put in really matters, I'm happy to be part of it."
Glenday praised the sprinter's impact beyond his record-breaking achievements.
"Usain Bolt is more than just a record-holder, he's a global ICON who has demonstrated what the human body and spirit are capable of," he said.
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"As we celebrate 70 years of record-breaking, we're honoured to recognise Usain's extraordinary journey and invite people everywhere to get inspired, get involved and be part of it."
The ICON award has previously been bestowed upon a select group of exceptional individuals from various fields.
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Pop superstar Taylor Swift received the honour, alongside inspirational athlete Billy Monger, who competes as a double amputee triathlete.
Other recipients include Polar explorer Preet Chandi, who has broken records for her Antarctic expeditions. The award has also recognised Rumeysa Gelgi and Jyoti Amge, who hold the records as the world's tallest and shortest women respectively.
Usain Bolt retired back in 2017 affter a glittering career
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These diverse recipients reflect Guinness World Records' commitment to celebrating extraordinary achievements across different disciplines.
The ICON designation represents the highest form of recognition from the organisation, reserved for those who have truly pushed boundaries in their respective fields.
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