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The Fastest Man Alive: The True Story of Usain Bolt
The astonishing story of the fastest man on the planet—updated to include the 2012 Olympics. A skinny kid from the Jamaican parish of Trelawny, Usain Bolt’s life changed in August 2008 when the Olympic men’s 100-meter starter pistol was followed just 9.69 seconds later by his streak across the finish line and the first of his three gold medals was placed around his neck. In this illustrated celebration of his influences, background, and career trajectory, Bolt shares his story of growing up playing cricket and soccer, and discovering that he could run fast—very fast. He shares stories of his family, friends, and the laidback Jamaican culture, and reveals what makes him tick, where he gets his motivation, and where he takes his inspiration. He tells of the dedication and sacrifices required to get to the top, and also discusses fast food, partying, music, fast cars, and that signature lightning bolt pose. 206 color photographs; 9 black & white photographs
288 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2012
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226 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 9, 2022
A great way to learn about Usain’s journey but wish the book came together differently. It was not written as well as I would’ve liked due to the content being disjointed. The paragraphs would awkwardly shift from subject to subject within each chapter. The testimonials were a great add but I would’ve liked if they flowed with the chapters (ie, parents testimonials came at the end but we read about them about them more in the beginning).
The flow did make it a little difficult for me to want to continue at times but it’s hard to rate lower as I truly adore Usain and loved learning more about him.
The flow did make it a little difficult for me to want to continue at times but it’s hard to rate lower as I truly adore Usain and loved learning more about him.
April 20, 2023
So this book the" fastest man alive " deals with ussains different aspects of life and its challenges to achieve greater heights in his career. This books starts with his childhood background and finishes at 2012 London Olympics where he created world record to beat the legends of running.
So if anyone who is intrested to know about bolts story this book is must read.
So if anyone who is intrested to know about bolts story this book is must read.
May 15, 2014
Athletes learn how to endure suffering. Elite athlete are masters at motivating themselves to give their best at critical times. Track athletes often prepare for the whole year to be at their peak performance for just one day, or even only 10 seconds for sprinters. I recently read Usain Bolt "Faster than lightning: my autobiography" and this is what I have learned about motivation.
RIVALRY:
Yohan Blake won both the 100m and 200m at the Jamaican Olympic trials for London. Usain Bolt finished only second and he was vexed. A few days later, while watching the race on TV, he noted something that gave him "such a fury": "the kid was running to the stands and celebrating in front of the bleachers. A finger was pressed on his lips Ssshhhhh! It seemed to me like he was telling the rest of the field to keep quiet - me included. (...) That one gesture had got my engine running. In an instant, I was psyched, revved up. Every step I made on the track after that evening on the sofa came from a place of pride, because I was training for Blake as well as the defense of my Olympic titles. I wanted to show up in London and prove to him and the world that I was a champion."
FAITH:
Usain Bolt starts his book recounting a serious car accident where he nearly lost his life. "This accident was the realization that my life had been saved by somebody else, and I didn't mean the designer of my airbag, or the car's seat belts. instead, a higher power had kept me alive. God Almighty. I took the accident to be a message from above, a sign that I'd been chosen to become The Fastest Man on Earth. My theory was that God needed me to be fit and well so I could follow the path He'd set me all those years ago when I first ran through the forest in Jamaica as a kid. I'd always believed that everything happened for a reason. (...) The Man Above had given me a gift and it was now down to me to make the most of it. My eyes had been open, I had God in my corner, and he had put me on earth to run _ and faster than any athlete, ever."
He continues in another chapter: " God always helped people who helped themselves. So whenever I was on a start line and I knew I'd done the work my coach had set me in training, I grabbed the crucifix around my neck, looked up in the sky and asked Him for enough strength to do my best."
INSPIRATION:
Usain Bolt recalls his early years of training and his coach's advice: "Coach told me to get a focus, an inspiration, something I could aim for whenever I trained, either on the gym or on the track. - You have to want something, he said. You have to set yourself goals so you can push yourself harder. Desire is the key to success."
RIVALRY:
Yohan Blake won both the 100m and 200m at the Jamaican Olympic trials for London. Usain Bolt finished only second and he was vexed. A few days later, while watching the race on TV, he noted something that gave him "such a fury": "the kid was running to the stands and celebrating in front of the bleachers. A finger was pressed on his lips Ssshhhhh! It seemed to me like he was telling the rest of the field to keep quiet - me included. (...) That one gesture had got my engine running. In an instant, I was psyched, revved up. Every step I made on the track after that evening on the sofa came from a place of pride, because I was training for Blake as well as the defense of my Olympic titles. I wanted to show up in London and prove to him and the world that I was a champion."
FAITH:
Usain Bolt starts his book recounting a serious car accident where he nearly lost his life. "This accident was the realization that my life had been saved by somebody else, and I didn't mean the designer of my airbag, or the car's seat belts. instead, a higher power had kept me alive. God Almighty. I took the accident to be a message from above, a sign that I'd been chosen to become The Fastest Man on Earth. My theory was that God needed me to be fit and well so I could follow the path He'd set me all those years ago when I first ran through the forest in Jamaica as a kid. I'd always believed that everything happened for a reason. (...) The Man Above had given me a gift and it was now down to me to make the most of it. My eyes had been open, I had God in my corner, and he had put me on earth to run _ and faster than any athlete, ever."
He continues in another chapter: " God always helped people who helped themselves. So whenever I was on a start line and I knew I'd done the work my coach had set me in training, I grabbed the crucifix around my neck, looked up in the sky and asked Him for enough strength to do my best."
INSPIRATION:
Usain Bolt recalls his early years of training and his coach's advice: "Coach told me to get a focus, an inspiration, something I could aim for whenever I trained, either on the gym or on the track. - You have to want something, he said. You have to set yourself goals so you can push yourself harder. Desire is the key to success."
January 8, 2017
I think this book is a reflection of the man. who he is, and what is important to him. not much about his training lots about his likes, dislikes, His Jamaican roots, lifestyle and national pride. If you are a fan of reading about life and times of... Athletes, you may like it.
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September 27, 2016really good book
August 5, 2020
Chillest dude to win the olympics
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews