The business empire of the fastest man in the world

Usain Bolt is not only an Olympic star, he is also an international business brand.

The Jamaican athlete has endorsement deals with Puma, Nissan, Hublot, Visa, Virgin Media and Japanese airline giant All Nippon Airways. He also has deals with Australian telecoms company Optus and insole manufacturer Enertor.

His name, and his "lightning" pose, have also become a trademark. Bolt even has a set of stickers made specifically for him by Puma called Boltmoji.

But he said Rio could be his last Olympics. “He’s talked about going to Manchester United, doing radio shows and designing clothes like Michael Jordan,” said Elizabeth Lindsey, a marketing expert at Wasserman.

Usain Bolt (left) has advertising contracts with many world-famous companies. Photo: Reuters

Bolt still holds the world records for the 100m and 200m. He has competed in four Olympic Games and has seven gold medals.

Gatorade now has a drink called Bolt. Jeff Kearney, head of sports marketing at Gatorade, explains his appeal: "We sign a lot of great athletes in a lot of different sports. They have a big impact in a lot of markets and they're all unique. But Usain's fun personality, combined with his dominance in a sport that almost everyone knows, makes the brand reach global."

His bubbly personality is so appealing to American brands that he appears in more Olympic commercials here than the American team.In addition to his records, Bolt also has "great entertainment value". Not only in his native Jamaica, but fans in the US and many other countries also follow this record holder.

Bolt knows how valuable he is. But he also doesn't forget to give back to society through his foundation in Jamaica.In 2015, Bolt donated $1.3 million to his former high school, along with soccer and cricket equipment. He has also donated track and field equipment since he signed a contract with Puma in 2002.

Bolt has also opened a multi-sport stadium in Jamaica, raised funds for pediatric heart surgeries, partnered with Samsung to run photography classes for students, and even donated $4 million to renovate a local medical center.

Bolt is doing his best to rest easy. He has an online store selling Usain Bolt-branded sportswear and gear, and recently announced the launch of his own company, Champion Shave, which sells low-cost six-blade razors.

According to VNE