Sprinting sensation Usain Bolt added his third Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association Golden Cleats Award to his collection on Tuesday.
Bolt, who had an amazing showing at the 2012 London Olympics, repeated as champion in the 100 and 200 meters. He also captured his third gold medal as the anchorman on Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team, which set a world record time of 36.84 seconds.
The 26-year-old Bolt has been the recipient of the International Association of Athletics Federation Male Athlete of the Year Award, the British Broadcasting Channel Overseas Sports Personality of the Year Award, and the International Sports Press Association Award for the Sportsman of the Year, to name a few.
“It doesn’t really get better than this, you know,” Bolt said to the Jamaica-Gleaner. “You’re double Olympic champion, world record holder, broken every world record possible. I’ve won every title there is to win, so for me, it’s just about trying to add on, trying to do more.”
A large part of Bolt’s success is due to his hard work and dedication on and off the track, but his coach Glen Mills is also responsible for some of his accolades.
“I think my coach has really led me in the right direction in every way possible,” Bolt said. “I have strayed from the path many times, but he has stuck with me, pushed me and kept me focused in every way possible to make sure I was ready to go at all times.”
Mills was also honored by the JAAA on Tuesday and named as 2012 Coach of the Year. Mills also coached Yohan Blake and Warren Weir, who all won medals at the London Olympics last August.
Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce took home the female JAAA Golden Cleats Award after winning the women’s 100 meter in 10.75 seconds at the London Olympics.
Bolt has been on a tear since 2008, winning six Olympic gold medals and five at the World Championships. He also has also set the world record times in the 100 and 200 meters.
The male JAAA Golden Cleats Award stands for so much more in Bolt’s growing trophy case. It serves as a reflection to what it truly means to put on the Jamaican uniform to run for his country.
Bolt said, “…it says a lot that your country is giving that honor to you and for the body of the IAAF to see and say you are the greatest athlete, and to win it so many years in a row, it’s a great feeling because people are watching what you are doing and are awarding you for it.”
