Usain Bolt: The Fastest Man Alive
Usain Bolt is often called the fastest human being to ever walk the earth. Born in 1986 in a small town in Jamaica, Usain grew up loving sports. As a young boy, he spent most of his time playing cricket and football in the street with his brother. He was so focused on these games that he didn't even realize he had a special gift for running. It wasn't until he started school that his teachers noticed how quickly he could sprint across the yard.
While Usain loved cricket, his coaches encouraged him to try track and field. By the time he was a teenager, he was already winning medals in local competitions. He was much taller than the other runners, which some people thought would make him slower at the start of a race. However, Usain proved them wrong by using his long legs to take giant strides that covered the ground faster than anyone else. His height eventually became one of his greatest advantages on the track.
- Sprint:
- To run at full speed over a short distance.
- Consecutive:
- Following each other continuously in an unbroken order.
- Dominate:
- To be the most powerful, successful, or influential person in a group or activity.
- strides:
- Long steps taken while walking or running.
- advantages:
- Conditions, features, or qualities that put someone in a better or more favorable position.
- inspiration:
- A person or thing that motivates others to do something positive, creative, or great.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1In which country was Usain Bolt born and raised?
- 2What were the two main sports Usain played before focusing on track and field?
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About this biography passage for Upper Elementary
“Usain Bolt: The Fastest Man Alive” is a biography reading passage about Usain Bolt, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (336 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.