Jamaican Sprint Legend Usain Bolt To Receive First US Statue

News Americas, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, Fri. July 14, 2023: Usain St. Leo Bolt, the renowned Jamaican-born triple Olympian, is set to receive his first statue in the United States this weekend, marking a significant milestone after a four-year journey filled with controversy and determination.

Located at the Ansin Sports Complex in the City of Miramar, Florida, the statue will be unveiled tomorrow, Saturday, July 15, 2023. Usain Bolt himself will be present for this momentous occasion, accompanied by Ato Bolton, a Trinidadian-born NBC announcer and four-time Olympic medalist, who will provide commentary throughout the event.

Created by acclaimed Jamaican artist and sculptor Basil Barrington Watson, the statue is a profound representation of Bolt’s incredible accomplishments and carries a powerful message of limitless possibilities. Entitled “Anything is Possible, No Limits,” it serves as a constant reminder to all who behold it. This artistic tribute aligns with the city’s vision of promoting art in public spaces and parks, demonstrating their commitment to cultivating a vibrant cultural atmosphere.

A statue of Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt created by artist Diedel Kloever using scrap metal pictured in the courtyard of Kloever’s workshop in Rallenbueschen, Germany, 10 September 2015. Kloever used chunky pieces of iron collected at junkyards to create delicate art items under the motto ‘Menschen, Tiere, Korrosionen’ (lit. People, animals, corrosions). (Photo by Carmen Jaspersen/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Basil Barrington Watson’s previous work includes the first commissioned statue of Usain Bolt, titled “To the World,” crafted for the Jamaican government in 2017. The Vice Mayor of Miramar, Alexandra P. Davis, played a pivotal role in realizing this project, overcoming opposition and spearheading the statue’s erection. She expressed immense pride in being part of Miramar’s Art in Public Places initiative, stating on Facebook, “I am so proud of this moment as we will soon unveil a statue in honor of the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, who just happens to be Jamaican! I have worked over the last 4 years…to have this statue built right here in Miramar.”

The funding for this ambitious endeavor was primarily secured from developers, as part of the Art in Public Places fund, which requires developers to contribute if they are unable to provide artwork within their facilities. The statue’s cost is reportedly being paid in four installments.

To commemorate this historic occasion, the public is encouraged to register for attendance at the unveiling ceremony on Saturday, July 15th, starting at 10 a.m. Gates will open at 9 a.m., and registration can be completed at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/usain-bolt-statue-grand-unveiling-tickets-429355623227.

In anticipation of the unveiling, a Fundraising Banquet & Silent Auction will be held this evening, July 14, 2023. The banquet, taking place at the Miramar Cultural Center on Civic Center Place, will commence at 7 p.m. The event aims to support both the Usain Bolt Foundation and Do the Right Thing, Inc. Attendees have the opportunity to purchase general admission tickets for $150, VIP tickets for $250 (including a Meet & Greet opportunity), or Limited Platinum VIP tickets for $500, granting exclusive seating with Usain Bolt himself. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/8543497/usain-bolt-fundraising-banquet-miramar-miramar-cultural-center-banquet-hall.

Hailing from Trelawny, Jamaica, Usain Bolt astounded the world with his unparalleled speed, setting multiple world records in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4 × 100 meters relay. As one of the most accomplished sprint runners in history, Bolt’s statue will not only celebrate his extraordinary achievements but also stand as a symbol of inspiration and a remarkable new landmark in the United States.