The faith of Usain Bolt in 5 tweets

 Reuters

He is the world's fastest man. He holds the world record for both the 100m and the 200m sprint.

Bolt is also a professing Christian. His PR team have confirmed Bolt is a Bible-believing, God-honouring, Jesus-worshipping Christian. But other than crossing himself and offering silent prayers at the start of each race, he is relatively reserved about his faith.

However, the occasional tweet reveals a faith that is centred around praise and gratitude. Here are five moments that give us an insight into Bolt's Christian faith:

Bolt gives glory to God

When Bolt beat his team-mate Yohan Blake in the Olympic 200m final in London 2012, he made history by becoming the first man ever to defend the 200m Olympic title.

After the race, Bolt tweeted to gratitude to the Lord:

Bolt went to win a total of three gold medals at London 2012 in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay.

Last weekend Bolt beat Justin Gatlin, a former doper, in the 100m World Championships. It was the first time Bolt had returned to the 'Bird's Nest' stadium in Beijing where he first became Olympic champion, breaking the 200m world record in 2008.

After beating Gatlin on Sunday, Bolt again tweeted his thanks:

Bolt at Easter:

In among tweets about his race results, training schedule and the latest Puma kit, Bolt also uses Twitter to encourage his 3.7m followers to faith. Here is a tweet from Easter 2015:

Bolt on scripture:

When Bolt burst on to the athletics scene, he was loved for his natural talent, his relaxed attitude and his humour.

However it seems he is not immune to difficulty as he tweeted a verse from Psalm 23 in the build up to the 2015 World Championships:

Bolt's gratitude:

After growing up in a small village in Jamaica with no running water or street lights, Bolt is thankful for the small things and the big things. He encourages his followers to do the same:

related articles
11 World Cup stars who are also Christians...

11 World Cup stars who are also Christians...

Brazil 2014: 10 amazing God moments of the World Cup

Brazil 2014: 10 amazing God moments of the World Cup

Pray when they win, pray when they lose – Brazil's faith despite crushing defeat

Pray when they win, pray when they lose – Brazil's faith despite crushing defeat

Seven Christians to look out for at the Commonwealth Games

Seven Christians to look out for at the Commonwealth Games

News
Telling the untold story behind elections
Telling the untold story behind elections

There’s an untold story about the elections we have just had across England - and maybe about every election that ever gets held anywhere. It’s a story that matters just as much as the election results. 

Madagascan Christians called to lead by example in struggling country
Madagascan Christians called to lead by example in struggling country

“We cannot serve Jesus Christ in church, and the devil outside.”

Churches and cathedrals help kick off VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations
Churches and cathedrals help kick off VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations

Churches and cathedrals are playing a big part in this week's 80th anniversary commemorations of Victory in Europe - or VE - Day which marked the end of World War II in Europe in 1945. 

Faith, justice and change: Niall Cooper reflects on nearly three decades with Church Action on Poverty
Faith, justice and change: Niall Cooper reflects on nearly three decades with Church Action on Poverty

After 28 years at the helm of Church Action on Poverty, Niall Cooper is stepping down from his role as director – marking the end of a remarkable chapter in Christian social justice and offering a moment for both reflection and gratitude.