Mark Schiefelbein/Associated Press
Former Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt has tested positive for COVID-19, according to Jamaica’s health ministry (h/t Reuters).
The news of Bolt’s positive test came after he celebrated his 34th birthday last week with a party at which masks weren’t worn. Bolt posted a video on his Twitter account Monday, saying he was awaiting his test results.
Usain St. Leo Bolt @usainbolt
Stay Safe my ppl 🙏🏿 https://t.co/ebwJFF5Ka9
Bolt said that while he hasn’t experienced any coronavirus-related symptoms thus far, he is quarantining to prevent further spread.
On Friday, his birthday, Bolt tweeted a photo of himself and his three-month-old daughter, Olympia, with the caption, “Best birthday ever.”
Usain St. Leo Bolt @usainbolt
Best birthday ever 🙏🏿 https://t.co/gf16igLFjA
Bolt said he tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, which was the day after his birthday party.
Known as the fastest man in the world due to his record of 9.58 seconds in the 100-meter dash, Bolt represented Jamaica at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
Bolt won eight gold medals during his Olympic career, taking gold in the 100-meter dash three times, the 200-meter dash three times and the 4×100-meter relay twice.
After essentially dominating the sport for nearly a decade, Bolt retired as arguably the greatest sprinter of all time in 2017.
Following his retirement from track and field, Bolt briefly pursued a soccer career and spent a couple of months playing for the Central Coast Mariners of the Australian A-League in 2018.
Bolt remains a brand ambassador for sportswear brand Puma in retirement.