The sprint star, who holds the Olympic and world titles and world records in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay, at 22 became the youngest ever recipient of the order, which was conferred on him yesterday at Up Park Camp in Kingston, the base of the Jamaica Defence Force.

The award is the fourth-highest in Jamaica, and marked an upgrade from the Order of Distinction he received in 2008 along with fellow athletes Veronica Campbell and Asafa Powell.

Other recipients of the honor included internationally acclaimed tribunal judge, doctor Patrick Robinson and University of the West Indies Principal professor Gordon Shirley. When Bolt appeared on stage to collect his award, the somewhat reserved group of invited guests and Jamaica governor general Doctor Kenneth Allen erupted in a roar of thunderous applause.