Bolt’s Roblox foray about younger generation

Usain Bolt says his foray into the popular video game platform Roblox through the World Athletics Ultimate Championship is aimed at raising the profile of track and field among a younger generation that has yet to fully embrace the sport.

On Tuesday, World Athletics announced a partnership with Roblox for the game T rack & Field: Infinite, which will feature an appearance from the world’s fastest man.

“Roblox is massive with the younger generation right now,” said Bolt.

“I’m happy to give my IP to help, especially to promote the Ultimate Championship, which is a big deal. I’m trying to change track and field a little bit, trying to make it a lot more exciting,” the double world record holder said.

The World Athletics Ultimate Championship, scheduled for September 11-13, is designed to settle the debate over who is the best of the best, bringing together world champions, Olympic champions, Wanda Diamond League winners and the year’s top-ranked athletes in a battle to be crowned champion of champions. The inaugural edition will feature a historic prize purse of US$10 million.

Bolt, the Ultimate Championships Legend, has long supported the initiative because of its potential to elevate the sport’s profile. He believes the Roblox partnership can further advance that goal.

“But I am track and field, track and field has helped to build me and to put me on a pedestal. So for me to try to give back in any way, to help to promote the sport, to help to invite younger generations to be a part of track and field and to love the sport in general, it’s a no-brainer.”