Usain Bolt makes Time’s 100 Most Influential People list

The charismatic Jamaican is among just six active athletes on the list – NBA star Stephen Curry, US golfer Jordan Spieth, Britain’s Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, UFC great Ronda Rousey and Indian tennis player Sania Mirza are the others – that features the likes of US President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merke and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Bolt – the 100m and 200m record holder – is described as a unifying force by Ziggy Marley, the son of reggae legend Bob Marley, who penned the magazine’s feature of the track star.

“Usain Bolt is a light. There are a lot of things in Jamaica—and the world—that cause separation: politics, inequality, crime. But an entire generation can look up to Usain. He’s a unifying force,” said Ziggy who compared the track star to his iconic father.

“They both grew up in very modest circumstances and went on to make positive change on the world stage,” Ziggy said, noting that “Usain makes music on the track; he runs with great joy, with passion and with soul. He has that smile, that Jamaican flair. It’s a swagger and confidence that we all really enjoy.”

Ziggy believes Bolt will continue to be a strong influence beyond the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio, widely expected to be his last appearance at the quadrennial event in which he shot to international stardom.

“I’m confident that afterward, he will continue to take all that he has learned, both on and off the track, and pass it along to others,” said the reggae singer.

“He’s a strong leader, and he’ll continue to be an inspiration. That’s the most important thing you can be.”