Images of Usain Bolt statue surface ahead of unveiling in Miramar

With the highly anticipated unveiling of a statue of Usain Bolt at the Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar, Florida, still, two weeks away, the city's vice mayor, Alexandra Davis, has provided a sneak peek of the monument honouring the greatest sprinter of all time.

Davis recently shared images of herself standing alongside the statue that will be installed at the facility, where Olympic relay gold medalist Briana Williams once trained under the guidance of coach Ato Boldon.

Renowned sculptor Basil Watson was commissioned for the project, which carries a price tag of US$250,000. The funding will be covered by the Art in Public Spaces ordinance, aimed at promoting art across the city, which has a population of approximately 150,000.

According to Davis, "The statue will not only boost economic development but also serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes of all ages and backgrounds." She explained that developers contribute to the fund if they are unable to provide public artwork at their establishments.

Preceding the official unveiling on Saturday, July 15, the city has scheduled a fundraising dinner for Friday, July 14. Additionally, a track meet will be held at the Ansin Sports Complex on Saturday, followed by a press conference where the Bolt statue will be revealed.

Although Bolt has never competed at the facility, he has been a source of inspiration for the diverse and sizable community residing in Miramar, Florida.

The Jamaican sprinter remains the sole individual to secure gold in both the 100m and 200m events at three consecutive Olympic Games (2008, 2012, and 2016). Furthermore, Bolt established world records of 9.58 seconds and 19.19 seconds in the 100m and 200m races, respectively, at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin, Germany.

Remarkably, these records remain unbroken 14 years later.

In addition to his Olympic triumphs, Bolt earned a total of 11 gold medals and 13 medals overall at the World Championships between 2007 and 2017. He retired from the sport after securing a bronze medal in the 100m event in London.