Another triple for Bolt

It was another triple feat for sprint legend Usain Bolt.

Yesterday, the fastest man in the world continued his impressive run, albeit off the track, when he was declared The Gleaner’s Man of the Year for 2016, at the media house’s 37th Annual Honour Awards function at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston.

Bolt was earning the prestigious honour for the third time, having been named Gleaner Man of the Year in 2008 and 2009. In 2012, he was awarded the Global Jamaican Award by the multimedia company.

This year’s award added to an already impressive start for the 30-year-old Jamaican, who was named Male World Athlete of the Year at the IAAF for 2016. Bolt was winning the award for a record sixth time.

In January, he was named RJR Sports Foundation National Sportsman of the Year for 2016, while Elaine Thompson was named Sportswoman of the Year. That was Bolt’s seventh time taking the award.

Again, last Tuesday, he was crowned the 2016 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, the fourth time he was copping the award.

MAGNIFICENT FEELING

Despite this, the Trelawny native said he was very pleased and honoured to be named Gleaner Man of the Year.

Bolt, who successfully defended his Olympic 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay titles at Rio in Brazil last year, cementing his status as the world’s greatest sprinter, was overwhelmed by the local honour.

IN PHOTO: Usain St Leo Bolt (right), with his parents Wellesley and Jennifer, who were awarded by the Gleaner Honour Awards selection committee for 'Exemplary Parental Support for a Jamaican Icon'

“It’s always big being recognised in your country, especially The Gleaner, which has been around for years and has recognised so many great people throughout the years. So to be given this award is a magnificent feeling, and I am really happy and proud of myself that I have been able to live up to the high standards of The Gleaner,” Bolt disclosed.

The Gleaner Honour Awards selection committee also recognised Bolt’s parents, Jennifer and Wellesley, presenting them with an award for Exemplary Parental Support for a Jamaican Icon.

Christopher Barnes, managing director of The Gleaner Company (Media) Limited, noted the importance of the Honour Awards in creating balance in the society, as it highlighted some of the many positives in Jamaica, which he said are, these days, overshadowed by the growing crime problem.

“There is no doubt that there are many good people in our country. This is why we have been able to have an Honour Awards programme since 1979,” said Barnes.

“Each year the committee selects from outstanding, hard-working, dedicated and progressive individuals who, as themselves or through a collective organisational structure, are helping to leave a legacy of progress, goodwill and hope.”

OTHER WINNERS

Several individuals and organisations were also awarded for exemplary service in their respective fields. The category winners were:

- Business - Richard Byles