IT’S no secret that world 100 and 200 metres record-holder Usain Bolt is one of the most popular sports icons on the planet.

Ever since the lanky Jamaican sprinter created history by winning three Olympic gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m — all in world record times in Beijing 2008 — he instantly became one of the most recognisable faces in sports, and track and field in particular.

Bolt, who has been featured in many international magazines, including Sports Illustrated, GQ, Times, Esquire, L’equipe and Track and Field News, is now one of the most popular sports stars on the social networking site Facebook.

The 23-year-old, who was watched by a record 54,000 spectators at last weekend’s 116th staging of the Penn Relays while clocking 8.79seconds on Jamaica’s Yellow 4×100 team, had just under 1,777,153 fans registered to his Facebook page as at Friday, April 30.

That’s less than 300,000 behind NBA superstar Lebron James (1,871,674) and FIFA World Player Lionel Messi (1,867,478).

However, Bolt has 300,000 more Facebook fans than golfer Tiger Woods (1,401,765). The affable Jamaican says he’s enjoying his popularity.

“I do not think it is pressure for me, but it helps me to stay focused on performing to the best of my ability at all times. To achieve the ‘legend’ status, I want to influence as many people as possible,” Bolt told the Sunday Observer.

“It is always a great feeling to know how I can impact on people in a positive way. Facebook provides one more opportunity to reach the fans,” he added.

The two-time IAAF Male Athlete of the Year indicated that his global appeal not only reflects positively on Jamaica, but also on the sport of athletics.

“Positive news for Jamaica is important and for me it is fun to have the fans welcome me wherever I go. The popularity helps to pass the positive vibes to people who watch the sport of track and field,” Bolt said.

The Glen Mills-coach sprinter who established world records of 9.58 and 19.19 seconds in the 100m and 200m at last summer’s World Championships in Berlin, says he tries to keep his fans up to date via Facebook and Twitter while he’s on the circuit.

“We talk about a race I ran or an event I attended, plus people comment on the pictures that are posted. I do not do Facebook often enough,” he confessed.

“I know, but between training you know how my time goes,” Bolt added, noting that he will be making extra effort to stay in touch with fans this season.

“When I go on the road, in between the Diamond League, I will find some time to do that. I read the comments from time to time, some of them are very interesting,” he laughed.