Bolt In Race To Retrieve His Missing Millions
Jamaica’s former sprint king plays waiting game over alleged scam
Usain Bolt has found himself at the eye of the storm after it was alleged that the eight-time Olympic gold medallist had been scammed of more than US$12.7 million.
The ex-Jamaican sprint ace was among investors affected by the alleged sophisticated fraud scheme at Kingston-based investment company Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL). A former employee advised Bolt to check his account by mid-January, and it has been reported that his account then only contained US$12,000 to set the alarm bells ringing.
SSL has since disclosed that several of its clients were allegedly fleeced in both local and foreign currencies, which were given to the firm to invest.
A multi-agency probe is being conducted, with Bolt’s lawyers in the process of filing a lawsuit against SSL.
Gage, a leading Jamaican dancehall artist, has been quick to cash in on Bolt’s misfortune by releasing a song called SSL. It is cleverly littered with the island’s patois to include the lyrics “Track and steal, mi did think a track and field” and “Dem tek the money and bolt”.
Following a stellar career, the 36-year-old remains the richest track and field athlete in history. The Sherwood Content-born legend holds three world records and won 11 world championship gold medals.
Bolt spoke about the missing monies during a recent luncheon event for the 2023 Gibson-McCook Relays in Jamaica.
At the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston hotel, he explained: “I’m not broke, but it [the loss] has definitely put a damper on me — and it [the fund] was for my future. I have three kids, I’m still looking after my parents and I still want to live very well”
According to the website Celebrity Net Worth, Bolt annually earned US$20m+ during the peak of his career and has a net worth of US$90m.
Bolt, considered to be the greatest sprinter in history, was one of the most recognisable sporting figures on the planet courtesy of his jovial character and God-given talent.
Bolt, after hanging up his spikes, yearned to become a professional footballer. Following unsuccessful trials in Germany, Norway and South Africa he tried his luck Down Under.
His eight-week trial with Australian club Central Coast Mariners ended after the wannabe footballer rejected their offer for professional terms in November 2018.
He was after a lucrative deal when he joined the side based near Sydney. However, the A-League outfit’s offer was widely off the mark. believed to be just a 1/20th of his agent’s demands.
The deal made to the former sprint king did not guarantee playing in any A-League matches. Bolt had no intention to be in Australia simply to make cameo appearances.
Just before he rejected the deal, the world-class athlete was offered a two-year professional contract to join leading Maltese outfit Valletta FC in the top tier.
Bolt turned it down flat because his off-pitch marketability was swaying the Dubai-backed club to sign him, relying on global media attention to put Valletta FC under the spotlight.
Now Bolt is hogging the limelight, through no fault of his own, and is in a race to retrieve his missing money in the multi-million fraud scenario.
Download The Jamaican Blogs™ App for your Android device: HERE
Remember to share this article on Facebook and other Social Media Platforms. To submit your own articles or to advertise with us please send us an EMAIL at: [email protected]