Fulwell 73
Fulwell 73

Usain Bolt’s run-up to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and his planned retirement in 2017, are the center of a feature-length documentary by British film house Fulwell 73.

The film, titled “I Am Bolt,” will follow the Jamaican superstar’s journey to the Rio Olympics in 2016, where he competed for (and won) the gold in both the 100 and 200 metres races, for a third straight Games.

The film is directed by Gabe and Ben Turner, and produced by Leo Pearlman – who were responsible for “One Direction: This is Us,” “Class of 92” and others.




Gabe Turner said: “Having explored the dynamic of brotherhood and team-mates in our previous film, this time around Ben and I had a real interest in looking at the life of an athlete competing in an individual sport. When the opportunity arose to do so with the greatest single athlete of all time, we leapt at the chance. Usain’s journey over this next year and what he achieves in Rio will define his legacy and redefine what is possible in his sport. We cannot wait to be with him every step of the way.”

The filmmakers have been following Bolt since the end of 2014, and use archive footage collected from throughout his life and career, which includes 6 Olympic and 8 world gold medals.

The team also secured rights to use official coverage of Bolt’s activities at the Rio Olympics, and plan to follow Bolt through to his planned retirement from the sport in 2017.

Executive producers are Simon Oliveira, Nelio Lucas and Matt Kay (Doyen Group), Ricky Simms (PACE Sports Management), Nugent Walker (UB Management) and financed by The Doyen Group and Fulwell 73.

UK sales outfit Independent Film Sales is repping the film.

On Monday November 28, “I Am Bolt” will make its world premiere in London’s Leicester Square – an event that will be simulcast to cinemas around the world. Visit www.iamboltfilm.com for more information on screenings near you.

Premiering this afternoon, watch the first full trailer for the upcoming film below.