Usain Bolt Celebrates 40th Birthday by Proposing to Partner of 13 Years
The sprint legend proposed to Kasi Bennett with a five-carat ring at his August 21 birthday celebration in Kingston, marking the next chapter in a relationship that has lasted through global fame and retirement.
Usain Bolt Celebrates 40th Birthday by Proposing to Partner of 13 Years
Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt marked his 40th birthday on August 21, 2026, by getting down on one knee and proposing to his longtime partner Kasi Bennett during a star-studded celebration at One Belmont's rooftop venue in Kingston, Jamaica.
The eight-time Olympic gold medalist presented Bennett with a five-carat diamond ring during the intimate proposal, which took place in front of family and close friends who had gathered for Bolt's milestone birthday bash.
Bennett, who has been by Bolt's side for more than a decade, appeared emotional as the fastest man in history popped the question. The couple has maintained a relatively private relationship despite Bolt's global fame, making the public proposal all the more significant for those who witnessed it.
From Track Champion to Family Man
Bolt retired from competitive sprinting in 2017 after dominating the sport for more than a decade. He holds world records in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4x100 meter relay—marks that still stand nearly a decade after he stopped racing.
Since stepping away from the track, Bolt has focused on business ventures and his growing family. He and Bennett already have three children together, and the engagement represents the next chapter in a relationship that has endured through Bolt's rise to global superstardom and his transition to life after athletics.
A Relationship That Lasted Through the Spotlight
Bennett first met Bolt in 2013, years before his retirement, and has remained largely out of the public eye despite being partnered with one of the world's most recognizable athletes. She works in business and has focused on raising their children while supporting Bolt's various post-retirement projects.
The 13-year relationship survived the intense scrutiny that comes with being linked to a global icon. Bolt's retirement from competition in 2017 allowed the couple to build a more private life in Jamaica, where they've raised their family away from the constant media attention that defined his racing career.
What's Next for the Couple
No wedding date has been announced, but sources close to the couple suggest they're planning a celebration that will honor both their Jamaican heritage and their low-key approach to life outside athletics.
For Bolt, who spent years chasing records and Olympic medals, the proposal represents a different kind of milestone—one measured not in hundredths of a second, but in years of partnership and commitment.
At 40, the man who once ran faster than anyone in history is slowing down to enjoy the life he's built with Bennett and their children. The engagement marks the beginning of what Bolt has called "the most important race"—building a lasting family legacy that goes beyond the track.