Retired Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt has been awarded yet another honorary doctorate, this time by Brunel University London.
The fastest man alive, Bolt trained at Brunel a number of times over his career, including in the lead-up to the 2012 London Olympics, where his world-beating performances scooped him three gold medals and cemented his place as the greatest sprinter of all time.
Accepting his award, Bolt told the gathered graduates at Brunel’s Indoor Athletics Centre in Uxbridge: “I want to say to the graduates, hard work does pay off; just remember that the road won’t be easy, there will be ups and downs, and you will fail. But always remember, learn from your failure, and try again. Never give up on your dream because, as a young man, I never knew I’d be this great. Always work hard, dedicate yourself, and remember, anything is possible, don’t take limits.”
Despite retiring from professional racing in 2017, Bolt still holds the 100m and 200m world records and a share of the 4x100m record, which he helped set after preparing at Brunel in 2012.
His 100m world record, set in Berlin in 2009, is still over a tenth of a second faster than the second fastest person’s best ever time and nearly two-tenths of a second faster than 2022’s fastest sprint.
Speaking via video from Jamaica, Bolt thanked Brunel University for his honorary degree. “I have only fond memories of training at Brunel, you guys have really helped me to conquer the world, and I must say I really appreciate that,” he said.
Bolt, who was made a Doctor of the University, or DUniv, was welcomed by Prof Costas Karageorghis, Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology at Brunel.
Speaking after the event, he said: “It’s been a delight to welcome Usain back to Brunel to recognize his great achievements, not only on the track but in promoting sport and a positive attitude towards life.
“As a university, we’re immensely proud to have played even a small part in his journey to greatness, and I’m sure Usain knows he’s welcome back any time!”
This is Usain’s third honorary degree.
In 2011, he received an honorary Doctor of Laws from The University of the West Indies, Mona. He was also offered an honorary doctorate for distinction in sport from the Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 2010.
The official title of the fastest man alive, who is also a recipient of Jamaica’s fourth and fifth highest honors – the Order of Jamaica and the Order of Distinction, is Dr. the Honourable Ambassador Usain Bolt, OJ, CD.
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