Usain Bolt Stripped of Medal Amid Controversial Rule Change: Loses “World’s Fastest Father” ….

Usain Bolt Stripped of Medal Amid Controversial Rule Change: Loses “World’s Fastest Father” ….

Sprint legend Usain Bolt, widely celebrated as the fastest man in history, has been stripped of a prestigious honorary medal following a controversial rule change by the International Parenting and Athletics Federation (IPAF). The ruling, which retroactively redefines eligibility criteria for the “World’s Fastest Father” designation, has ignited debate across sporting and parenting communities worldwide.

 

The title, introduced in 2021 by the IPAF as a symbolic accolade to recognize elite athletes who balance fatherhood with exceptional performance, had been awarded to Bolt after he became a father to twin boys in 2021, following the birth of his daughter Olympia Lightning Bolt in 2020.

 

However, the IPAF announced this week that it has revised its standards to require that all contenders for the “World’s Fastest Father” medal must have competed in a sanctioned race at the professional level after becoming a father. The change disqualifies Bolt, who retired from competitive athletics in 2017.

 

In a statement, the IPAF said:

“This rule modification ensures fairness and aligns with the spirit of the award, which celebrates not only fatherhood but the active balancing of elite sport with parenting duties.”

 

The medal, awarded retroactively to several retired athletes under the original guidelines, is now being rescinded from those who no longer meet the new requirements. Bolt is the most high-profile figure affected by the decision.

 

Speaking from Kingston, Bolt expressed his disappointment.

“It’s a bit surprising to be honest. I’m proud of being a father and of everything I achieved on the track. I always saw this medal as a fun nod to that. But if they want to change the rules, that’s their choice. It doesn’t take away from what I’ve done as a dad or an athlete.”

 

The decision has sparked backlash among fans and athletes alike. Critics argue the rule change is unnecessary and undermines the original intent of the award. Others claim it unfairly penalizes retired athletes who have embraced family life post-retirement.

 

“Redefining rules to retroactively strip awards is poor form,” tweeted Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix. “Bolt earned that recognition — he inspired millions and continues to do so.”

 

Meanwhile, American sprinter and father of two, Christian Coleman, is now reportedly in line to receive the title, having competed professionally after becoming a parent in 2023. The IPAF has yet to confirm the successor.

 

This isn’t the first time Bolt has faced the revocation of a medal. In 2017, he lost one of his nine Olympic golds after a teammate, Nesta Carter, was found guilty of doping. The recurrence of such incidents has reignited conversations around retroactive rulings in sports governance.

 

While the “World’s Fastest Father” title may no longer officially belong to Bolt, for many fans, his status as a legendary figure on and off the track remains untouched.