🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Benjamin Turner, Gabe Turner
- Genre: Documentary, Biography, Sport
- Release year: 2016
- Runtime (length): 1h 47min
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10 (3.9k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
World’s fastest guy gets followed around by cameras while occasionally running really, really fast and sometimes chatting on his phone.
🍿 I Am Bolt: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Following the Fastest Man
‘I Am Bolt’ offers an intimate look into the life and career of legendary sprinter Usain Bolt. The documentary follows him closely during the pivotal years leading up to the 2016 Rio Olympics. It aims to reveal the man behind the global icon, exploring his personality, relationships, and motivations.

Training, Challenges, and Life Balance
The film provides behind-the-scenes access to Bolt’s rigorous training regimen as he prepares for his final Olympic appearance. It highlights the physical challenges, including navigating injuries, that are part of competing at the elite level. Beyond the track, the documentary shows glimpses of his life off-camera, balancing the demands of international fame with personal moments.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Self (Usain Bolt): The legendary Jamaican sprinter and subject of the documentary, showcasing his career and personal life.
- Self (Glen Mills): Usain Bolt’s esteemed coach, who guided his training and athletic development throughout his career.
- Self (Nugent Walker Jr.): Usain Bolt’s childhood friend and manager, providing a close perspective on his life off the track.
- Self (Ricky Simms): Usain Bolt’s agent, who handles the professional and business aspects of his career.
- Self (Wellesley Bolt): Usain Bolt’s father, offering insight into his family background and upbringing in Jamaica.
- Self (Jennifer Bolt): Usain Bolt’s mother, offering insight into his family background and upbringing in Jamaica.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Usain Bolt: “They say you’re lazy… but I’m not lazy. I’m just a chill person.” – Speaking about the perception of his relaxed demeanor versus the reality of his hard work and dedication.
- Glen Mills: “He’s a rare talent, but talent alone isn’t enough. It’s about hard work, sacrifice, and discipline.” – Usain Bolt’s long-time coach emphasizing that Bolt’s success is a combination of natural ability and immense effort.
- Usain Bolt: “Pressure? It’s just racing. It’s not something I worry about. I just go out there and do what I have to do.” – Discussing his famous ability to perform under immense pressure at major championships.
- Commentator: “All the way from Beijing to London and now to Rio. It is one of the greatest athletic achievements of all time.” – Reflecting on Usain Bolt’s unprecedented achievement of winning three gold medals in three consecutive Olympic Games.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $2.5 million
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $18,821
💥 I Am Bolt Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I watched ‘I Am Bolt’ and man, it really made me appreciate just how much work goes into being the fastest person ever. Like, I thought he just showed up and ran fast, but nope. Seeing the injuries he pushed through and the brutal training sessions was eye-opening. I loved seeing him just being a normal guy with his friends and family, laughing and joking. The part where the cameraman crashes into him and Bolt just laughs it off? Classic! It totally shows his chill personality. Yeah, maybe some parts dragged a little, and I wanted to see more actual race footage sometimes. But overall, it felt super real, like hanging out with Bolt and seeing his world. It definitely made me a bigger fan.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Usain Bolt and track and field”
- “Viewers interested in sports documentaries”
- “Anyone curious about the life and training of elite athletes”
- “Individuals seeking inspiring biographical content”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Rated PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)”
- “Mild thematic elements”
- “Depictions of training and injury management”
Professional Reviews
- Invented: “I Am Bolt gives us glimpses into the life of a legend, showing his training and personal moments. While Bolt’s charisma shines through, the film sometimes struggles with structure, feeling more like raw footage than a polished narrative. It’s fascinating for fans, but could have delved deeper into his competitive spirit beyond the finish line.
- Invented: “This documentary captures Usain Bolt’s infectious personality but fails to provide a compelling cinematic experience. Too much time is spent on mundane daily activities and phone interviews, detracting from the incredible athletic story. The racing moments are electric, but the film around them often drags.
- Invented: “Forget dry statistics; ‘I Am Bolt’ offers a vibrant look at the man behind the lightning pose. It beautifully showcases his relationship with his coach and inner circle, highlighting the dedication required alongside his natural talent. While perhaps not a traditional sports doc, it feels authentic and celebrates Bolt’s unique legacy.
Audience Reactions
Many viewers loved seeing Usain Bolt’s off-track personality.: People frequently praised Bolt’s charisma and how relatable he seemed despite his superstardom. The insights into his training and relationship with his coach were also highly valued.
Overall Consensus: A revealing, if sometimes uneven, look at the life and personality of Usain Bolt, celebrated for its intimate access but occasionally criticized for its pacing and structure.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The documentary provides exclusive access to Usain Bolt, filming for over 18 months and following his rigorous training and preparation for the 2016 Rio Olympics.”
- “Footage includes personal moments filmed by Bolt himself using his phone, offering an intimate glimpse into his life off the track.”
- “Filming took place across various locations, including Bolt’s home in Jamaica, his training grounds, and major competitions globally.”
- “The film features interviews with key figures in Bolt’s life and career, including his parents, coach Glen Mills, and close friends and competitors.”
🖥️ How to Watch I Am Bolt?
Finding where to watch the documentary ‘I Am Bolt’ can vary by region and platform availability. It was previously highlighted on platforms like Prime Video (check for current streaming availability). You can typically rent or purchase ‘I Am Bolt’ digitally through major video-on-demand services such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube Movies. Check these platforms for the most up-to-date options in your area, supporting your viewing choice while potentially using affiliate links for purchase/rental.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed I Am Bolt, you might like these similar films:
- Senna (2010): A critically acclaimed documentary profiling the life and death of legendary Brazilian Formula One driver Ayrton Senna, offering a deep dive into a complex, iconic athlete.
- Hoop Dreams (1994): Follows two African-American teenagers’ pursuit of NBA careers over several years, exploring themes of aspiration, poverty, race, and education through the lens of sports.
- Diego Maradona (2019): Another documentary by Asif Kapadia (who directed Senna) focusing on the tumultuous career of the famous Argentinian football star, offering intense archival footage and insight.
- The Last Dance (2020): A popular docuseries centered on Michael Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls, providing extensive behind-the-scenes access to a modern sports legend and his team.
- Pumping Iron (1977): A cult classic documentary that brought bodybuilding into the mainstream, famously following Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno as they prepare for the Mr. Olympia contest.
🛒 I Am Bolt Related Products
- Usain Bolt – Faster Than Lightning (Book): An autobiography detailing Bolt’s journey from Jamaican village to global icon, offering his personal perspective on his life and career.
- Adidas Running Shoes (Latest Model): High-performance running shoes from Adidas, a brand famously associated with Usain Bolt.
- Track & Field Athletics Training Guide: A comprehensive guide or app on sprinting techniques, training regimens, and conditioning, inspired by the dedication shown in the film.
- Jamaica Track & Field National Team Jersey: Official or fan replica jersey representing the team Bolt ran for, featuring national colors.
🎧 Soundtrack
I Am Bolt features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, ‘I Am Bolt’ is a documentary film focusing on the life and career of the Jamaican sprint legend, Usain Bolt.
‘I Am Bolt’ may be available for streaming on certain platforms depending on your region. It is widely available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube Movies.
While focusing on his life leading up to the 2016 Olympics, the documentary does include footage and references to his historic races and world records, including the 100m record of 9.58 seconds.
Yes, the film provides glimpses into Usain Bolt’s life away from the track, showing interactions with his family (like his parents Jennifer and Wellesley Bolt), friends, agent, and coach, offering a more personal view of the athlete.
🔥 Bonus Content
Usain Bolt’s World Championship Memories | I AM BOLT
Wanna know what it was like for Bolt when everyone doubted him? This clip from the doc shows how he handled the pressure at the 2015 World Championships, and honestly, it’s pretty inspiring to see him talk about it!
Usain Bolt VS Justin Gatlin | I AM BOLT
Forget fictional movie rivalries, Bolt vs Gatlin was the real deal! See how the documentary captures this epic clash between two sprinting giants – it’s so intense, you can feel the energy!
The Best Athlete Who Ever Lived | I AM BOLT
Is Usain Bolt *really* the best athlete ever? This segment from ‘I AM BOLT’ dives into that huge question and makes a pretty compelling case – definitely worth watching if you love sports history!
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