Usain Bolt Fronts Health Campaign as Viral Quiz Moment

Usain Bolt is using his legendary status to deliver a new message about slowing down. The retired sprint icon is the face of a major healthcare campaign launched in June 2026, aimed at raising awareness for chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The campaign, titled "Slow Can Be Good Too," features Bolt in a one minute television advertisement performing deliberately slow activities. He tends to a bonsai plant, collects stamps, and even knits a scarf marked with the word "slow." The Olympic legend wears his medals and a Jamaica inspired sweatsuit throughout. Bolt makes clear he does not have CKD himself. "I'm taking it slow to remind you that Jardiance is a little pill proven to slow the progression of CKD," Bolt said in the ad. The campaign promotes Jardiance, a medication containing empagliflozin.

Its impact has been significant. Data shows searches for Jardiance surged by 50 percent in the United States and 20 percent globally following the ad's launch. This unique partnership uses Bolt's reputation as the world's fastest man to highlight the importance of slowing disease progression.

Separately, Bolt was at the center of a viral social media moment that led to a public apology. In a promotional trivia video from the Olympics' social channels, American sprint star Gabby Thomas was shown a childhood photo of Bolt and failed to recognize him. The Paris 2024 triple gold medalist laughed during the segment, which drew criticism from some fans online.

Thomas addressed the backlash directly on X. "I want to genuinely apologize to everyone I upset for not recognizing Usain Bolt in his baby photo the other day," Thomas wrote. She admitted she was embarrassed and promised to "do better." Thomas also explained that she grew up watching Bolt and other Black track athletes who inspired her generation. The incident highlighted Bolt's enduring iconic status in the sport, even for current champions.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Usain Bolt stars in a "Slow Can Be Good Too" health campaign for chronic kidney disease awareness, launched in June 2026.
• Online searches for the medication Jardiance rose 50% in the US after the ad featuring Bolt aired.
• Sprinter Gabby Thomas apologized after a viral Olympics quiz showed her failing to identify a baby picture of Bolt.

Bolt's legacy as the world record holder in the 100m and 200m continues to influence track and field. His current work, however, focuses on a different kind of race against time. The campaign asks the public to consider their health, proving his platform extends far beyond the finish line.