Track and field has long been a stage for record-breaking performances and legendary athletes. But beyond the races and medals, another conversation quietly shapes the sport. Usain Bolt, the biggest name to ever grace the track, pulls back the curtain on an issue few openly discuss—one that goes far beyond just speed and talent.

Sprinting legend pulled up to the YouTube channel of ‘The Fix’ and shed light on the most debatable topic in the track. The director of creative stuff at ‘The Fix,’ Arianne Hammond, asked Bolt how gender dynamics affect pay in track & field. Consequently, this track and field sensation did not hold back from sharing his insights. The lesson from Bolt? If you want to earn more, just running fast isn’t going to cut it.

Success in track and field isn’t just about raw talent—it’s about proving yourself time and time again. “They must always get medals even if they don’t go all night,” Lightning Bolt says, highlighting the expectation for consistent performance. In a sport where potential alone isn’t enough, respect is earned through results, not promises. “So you have to respect them. You can’t say a little talent must come out. You don’t know where it’s going to go yet.”

Bolt highlighted the importance of putting up a show to earn more: “It’s all about crowd pull. If they can’t pull a crowd, they get paid.” Bolt stresses this reality, explaining that those who can’t generate excitement often struggle to get paid. He points to the sport’s business-driven approach, where marketability plays a crucial role. We cannot help but think about Noah Lyles. Not only did the Florida native win Olympic gold by clocking in at 9.784s at the Olympic games in 2024, but the sprinter is known for turning heads in every possible way- speed? check, personality? check, fashion statements? check!  

During the discussion, Hammond chimed in with the example of Sha’Carri Richardson—an athlete who commands attention beyond just her performance. Bolt agreed, reinforcing the point: “If they know, if they say they can’t pull a crowd, they get the money because they understand that.” But that’s not always the case. Recently, Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit and a well-known tech entrepreneur, showcased the difference in male and female athletes’ earnings.

As per Ohanian’s X post, in 2024, the top 15 women athletes have earned $221 million through endorsements and salary/winnings. Sounds like a lot right? Well not really, not when you compare the figures with those of the male athletes. Only endorsement earnings are almost double the combined earnings of females. But how does the man, the myth, and the legend, Usain Bolt, fit in this conversation about the financial incentives of the track?

For the 38-year-old, the track meant more than what it could give him in return. The Olympic champion used to love racing, and it was not only because running on the track can convert into money. For athletes like Usain Bolt, it’s not about the money, it’s about the passion and love for running- the sheer excitement. And yet, despite his mindblowing success, Bolt often faced criticism—some even questioned how he commanded such massive earnings in track & field.

Usain Bolt defends his payday after a rival confronts him over earnings in track & field

Notwithstanding his strong command and influence on the track, Bolt would often find himself defending his earnings. In a candid moment, he recalled an athlete from another sport directly confronting him, questioning how he was “taking all the money.” Bolt, unfazed, broke it down, “Bro, first of all, I run six races a season. Six races. There’s about 20 of them.” 

The Jamaican sprinting sensation is well aware of his influence and popularity. Over the years through his participation in championships, he has earned his reputation as the fastest man on earth. It’s a no-brainer that money will follow. The number of races he ran is inconsequential, just his presence was enough to fill the stadiums and bring in the revenue. The Jamaican retired sprinter candidly replied, “When I show up, you know how many people have come to see?”

Thanks to his incredible showmanship, he has amassed a lot of wealth. A lot. But there have been some hiccups as well. But that is beside the point. Love him or question him, Bolt’s impact on track & field is undeniable. With his simple existence, he turned races into global spectacles and proved that star power can help you gain revenue.