The world is still picking up the pieces after Hurricane Bolt swept through this summer’s Rio Olympic Games packing speeds of 9.81 to 19.78 mph, taking three gold medals in sight.

When Usain Bolt arrived in Rio, he had one thing in mind: to cement his legendary status. And, while we are accustomed to see him winning, it was the spectacular fashion in which he annihilated the competition that had Half-Way-Tree square roaring in glory.

We’ve watched this home town hero, as a junior, crashing out of the 200-metre heats in what was his first Olympics Games appearance in 2004, Athens, to now see him being the world record holder of both the 100 and 200 sprints. I could go on and on about his narrative, but that would need a book, which I’m sure is being written.

Given his unprecedented feat at the Rio Olympics, one has to wonder what kind of honour will be bestowed upon this great superhuman. I don’t know what plans the Government of Jamaica has in store to celebrate his historic achievements, but I have a few ideas which I’d like to pitch.

Bolt is one of, if not, the most recognisable sporting figure in the world, and as such he is identified with his signature ‘To di worl’ pose. The pose has been replicated by actors, other sporting figures, and even the president of the United States. If possible, I think the Jamaican Government should erect a statue of Bolt doing the famous pose on top of the Blue Mountains.

Now, if you’re wondering how that’ll look, the larger than-life-sized Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil should give you an idea. The Blue Mountains are used for hiking and other recreational activities, why not use it as an attraction for tourists and locals alike to capture moments? Envisage seeing the statue with the clear blue skies serving as the perfect backdrop. Epic!

Another idea paired with the aforementioned statue is for him to have a day named in his honour. Now Bolt is big on numbers, especially 9.58 and 19.19, but that’ll be too much calculating to arrive at a figure that is on our calendars. Why not celebrate his birthday, August 21, and declare it Usain Bolt Day? But before all this could come to fruition, the Government of Jamaica would have to carefully think this through, but that shouldn’t be too hard for a man whose impact has caused the country to see record numbers in tourist arrivals. Our little country cannot repay Bolt for what he’s worth, so it would be awesome if the Government could honour him in such a way. Bolt has made Jamaica the hub of the Caribbean and one of the most popular countries in the world. There’ll never be another athlete like him in this lifetime and all efforts should be made to celebrate this great man. Thank you, Bolt, for choosing tracks over cricket. After all, I’ve never heard of a cricketer named “Bolt”.

All hail King Bolt!

Romane Hibbert

sincerelyromane@yahoo.com