WORLD 100 and 200-meter record holder Usain Bolt has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Brunel University in London.
Speaking from Jamaica, Bolt thanked the university for his award.
“I want to thank Brunel University for this honorary degree, I really appreciate it,” he said.
The many-time Olympic and World champion also offered some words of encouragement to the graduates, gathered at Brunel’s Indoor Athletics Centre in Uxbridge.
“I want to say to the graduates, hard work does pay off, just remember that the road won’t be easy, there will be ups and downs, and you will fail,” Bolt said.
“But always remember, learn from your failure and try again. Never give up on your dream, because as a young man I never knew I’d be this great. Always work hard, dedicate yourself, and remember, anything is possible, don’t think limits.”
The ‘fastest man alive’ also recalled some of the moments he has had at the university while he was a professional athlete.
FOND MEMORIES
“I have only fond memories of training at Brunel, you guys have really helped me to conquer the world, and I must say I really appreciate that,” he said.
The track and field legend trained at Brunel a number of times over the course of his career, including in the lead-up to the 2012 London Olympics, where he captured three gold medals.
Speaking after the event, Prof Costas Karageorghis, Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology at Brunel, said giving Bolt this honour was a delight.
“It’s been a delight to welcome Usain back to Brunel to recognise his great achievements, not only on the track but in promoting sport and a positive attitude towards life,” he said.
“As a university, we’re immensely proud to have played even a small part in his journey to greatness, and I’m sure Usain knows he’s welcome back any time!”
This is not Bolt’s first honorary degree as he received an honorary Doctor of Laws from The University of the West Indies, Mona in 2011.
He was also offered an honorary doctorate for distinction in sport from the Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 2010.