Usain Bolt has competed in sprinting.
The 100 metres , or 100-metre dash , is a sprint race in track and field competitions . The 200 metres ( also spelled 200 meters ) is a sprint running event . 200 metres at the Olympics . Reflecting how sprint athletes often compete over various distances , many of the medalists in the Olympic 200 metres have had success in the Olympic 100 metres and 4 × 100 metres relay as well . Usain Bolt . The 2008 Olympics was his international debut over 100 m ; he had earlier won numerous 200 m medals ( including 2007 World Championship silver ) and holds the world under-20 and world under-18 records for the event . His achievements as a sprinter have earned him the media nickname `` Lightning Bolt '' , and his awards include the IAAF World Athlete of the Year , Track & Field Athlete of the Year , and Laureus World Sportsman of the Year ( four times ) .