Usain Bolt

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt cruises to a world record in the 100 meters over runner-up Richard Thompson of Trinidad at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Usain Bolt, right, gave Jamaica its first Olympic 100-meter champion with a victory in Beijing in 2008. His time of 9.69 seconds lowered his world record. Richard Thompson, left, of Trinidad and Tobago won silver.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt celebrates his world record after winning gold in the 100-meter dash at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Puma, the brand of shoes that Olympic champion Usain Bolt wears, have been flying off shelves since he set the 100 record in Beijing.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)