Bolt joins esports company WYLDE
Published:Friday | April 1, 2022 | 12:05 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
Multiple Olympic and World Champion Usain Bolt has entered the world of electronic sports (esports).
Bolt, 35, has joined the esports community as a co-owner of WYLDE, an esports company that represents professional players from across Europe. The company made the announcement on Wednesday of its partnership with the eight-time Olympic champion joining founders Steve Daley, a former JP Morgan investment banker, and David Cronin, who is a founding shareholder of the Irish technology company QUMAS. WYLDE is an Ireland-based company that has been in operation for two years but, according to its website, has deep roots in the Caribbean. WYLDE has various teams that compete in gaming tournaments with franchises such as Rainbow Six Siege, VALORANT, Rocket League and FIFA.
In a statement released by the company, Bolt said he identifies with the company’s commitment to excellence and is excited to be part of a brand that is innovative and an industry that is continuing to rise.
“WYLDE is on a journey to becoming one of the biggest brands in the fastest growing sport in the world. In esports, like in track and field, it’s critical to have that competitive, winning mentality. I look forward to working with the WYLDE leadership to help our players to reach their potential, while also taking care of their physical and mental well-being,” Bolt said.
It is a partnership that Cronin says that he is looking forward to, as he says Bolt is the type of personality needed to take the company to an elite level, both competitively and in other aspects.
COMPETITIVE EXPERIENCE
“Usain coming on board takes WYLDE to the next level. With his vast competitive experience and Olympic winning mentality, his guidance will be invaluable as we continue to build professional structures to support the development of our players,” Cronin said.
According to a Forbes.com article published on Wednesday, WYLDE is planning to host a Jamaican esports boot camp later this year, as it seeks to hone local talent through community tournaments and professional coaching.
Bolt is the latest athlete to be involved in esports, joining former England international David Beckham, former Argentine international Sergio Aguero, Wales and Real Madrid midfielder Gareth Bale, and Formula One driver, Lando Norris.