This is the final part in the Observer’s 10-part serialisation of Usain Bolt: My Story 9.58 – Being the World’s Fastest Man, chronicling the life of triple Olympic and world champion Usain Bolt, from his early primary school days to the present time.

Bolt speaks from the heart in this revealing autobiography. From his experiences as a schoolboy athlete and his struggles with injuries; to his family life and performances at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2009 World Championships in Berlin, he recounts and shares, in his customary easy-going and candid style, his hopes and his regrets, and his plans for the future.

Inspiring and entertaining, this easy-to-read book at over 280 pages is in full colour and contains never before seen photographs of Bolt at work and at play. Testimonials from those who have had a major influence in the young athlete’s life give the book a truly authentic voice. Enjoy:

I want to get married some day, but that will be after I retire from track and field, definitely not before. I’ll take my time to meet the right girl, I don’t want to rush into anything. Right now, I’m too busy with my career and enjoying life to settle down. I do want children soon, though, some time after the next Olympics.

I’ll be strict as a dad too, because it was how I was brought up. I will have my own way of doing it, and I don’t think I’ll be as strict keeping my children in check, the way dad did with me. I watched and took note, and I saw where my dad went wrong and how he lost direction a little bit. He stifled me by not letting me go out much and treated my sister the same way. He didn’t give us any free space.

My children will have more freedom, but I’ll expect them to be good at school. It’s all about trust and knowing your kid will do the right thing. I knew this girl at William Knibb who went to parties from the age of 15, and her dad had no problem with her going because he trusted her. He explained life to her, about how the guys are, and she never had a boyfriend even by the time she was 18 – and she had plenty of offers – because she felt she was not ready for one. She was allowed to go anywhere. Her dad knew she wasn’t going to do anything wrong, and that’s the way to go.

If I had a daughter I wouldn’t be extra strict, because if a father behaves like that, he can lose her. I’ve seen it happen with my sister. Your daughter will start to sneak around and do all kinds of crazy stuff.

If my first child is a boy, though, I’m going to warn him about track and field and how very hard it will be for him. I don’t just mean the training required. Can you imagine the pressure he will be under as the son of Usain Bolt?

9.58 – Being the World’s Fastest Man by Usain Bolt, published by Ian Randle Publishers, price J$2,000/US$22.95.