Misha Lobban, Gleaner Writer

Usain Bolt celebrates winning his third gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. - AP

The better part of one's life consists of his friendships. - Abraham Lincoln

Usain Bolt captured the world's attention with his stunning performance on the track at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. He created history at the Olympics when he broke three world records, the first of which was the 100m (9.69) on August 16.

Bolt went on to break Michael Johnson's12-year-old record (19.32) in the 200m by running 19.30, and set a third world record along with his Jamaica teammates in the 4x100m relay (37.10).

Bolt became the first man in history to set world records in all three events at a single Olympics, justifying the nickname 'Lightning Bolt'.

Regarded as the world's fastest man and one of the most phenomenal sprinters Jamaica has ever produced, Bolt has been dominating track and field since the 2002 IAAF World Junior Championships when, at the age of 15, he won the 200m final (20.58) to become the youngest-ever male World Junior champion. Since then, he has continued to win a slew of medals and to set records in various track and field championships.

His best friend is Nugent Walker (nicknamed NJ), 22-year-old final-year student at Mico University College. NJ is from the district of Reserve, Trelawny, which adjoins Sherwood Content, the hometown of Usain Bolt, and has been Usain's friend since age six when they started primary school.

NJ shares insights about his childhood pal, including the fact that had he not been a champion sprinter, Usain would have been a fast bowler, as cricket was the first sport they played during primary school days, and they were both openers for the school's cricket team. NJ also tells us of Usain's caring and loving nature and his love for spinning music.

How did you meet Usain Bolt and how long have you been friends?

We have been friends since first grade at Waldensia Primary School (in Sherwood Content). The first thing I noticed was that he was taller than the rest of us in the class, and the first thing we had in common was, I was called NJ and he was nicknamed VJ (I am not sure why he was called that). We became close and I would stop by his house in the mornings so that we could walk to school together.

We were in the same class throughout primary school and we did everything together, but we were rivals on sports day. I was in Yellow House (Hillock) and he was in Blue House (which I think was Smalls). From that age, he would run the 200m and the 400m on sports day and he always came first or second. The only race that he never won was cross country, as he was never good at long-distance races.

After primary school, we both went to William Knibb High, and although we weren't in the same classes, we would still travel to school together. Our friendship grew even stronger during high school.

VJ started to do athletics more seriously and I used to stay back at school some evenings to support him while he trained. His competitive spirit began to emerge as he was determined to beat a fellow name Keith Spence, who ran for Cornwall College at the Western Championship meets.

In grade nine, when he finally beat Spence, he became known as the man from the west who dominated the 200m and 400m track and field.

We were inseparable until he left at age 16 to train professionally in Kingston but we always kept in touch by telephone.

Nugent Walker, Usain Bolt's friend from primary school days. - Contributed

Tell us what you admire most about him and why you think you have remained friends all these years.

I admire VJ's appetite for success and a driving ambition to be the best. He believes in himself and he never says, "I can't." He is also very caring, loving and kind.

We share many things in common, in that we are both driven by success and we are able to rise above challenges. We know how to understand each other and we share most things with each other.

Tell us something interesting about him.

He is very good at cricket. We played together at primary school. He made the cricket team when he entered grade three and I made the team in grade four. By grade six, we were both openers for our school's cricket team. At that time, he was also representing the school and the parish of Trelawny in athletic meets.

His father felt that he couldn't manage to do both and encouraged him to focus on athletics.

Another thing is that he loves to spin music and is a very good disc jock. He owns a system that he uses to spin music during his spare time at home.

What are some of the things you talk about when you get together?

We talk girls, sports and everything. I always read the things that are written about him on the Internet and share it with him. He tends to be challenged by what people say, especially those who say, "he can't do so and so".

Share with us one of the happiest moments you have experienced with him.

When he won the World Junior Championship at age 15, I was overjoyed as he was able to overcome his fears and show people the potential that I always knew he had.

After that, as he continued to run, he suffered a series of injuries and some doctors even suggested that he look at pursuing another career.

I remember him calling me from Germany in the early hours of the morning to talk about how he felt because it was affecting him. I reminded him of what he had accomplished and that there would be greater times. Knowing how difficult it was for him, and seeing what he accomplished at the (2008) Olympics made me very happy. I was in Maine (United States) at the time and we transformed the hotel where I was working into a 'Usain Village' ... that's the kind of euphoria his accomplishment created.

Tell us the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of him, and why.

Caring ... his caring quality is one of his greatest strengths, and it is also a weakness, as he can be exploited.

What are his favourite food, favourite music and favourite sport?

He loves pork.

Reggae music and his favourite artiste is Vybz Kartel.

Besides athletics, he enjoys watching football, cricket and basketball.

Tell us the colour that you associate with him:

Yellow - signifying someone you'll never forget

Orange - signifying someone you consider your true friend

Red - signifying someone you really love

Green - signifying someone who has had a significant impact on your life.

I would say all of them. Growing up together, Usain and I created a bond that will last a lifetime. We are true brothers ... not biological, but spiritual. We are always there for each other and we understand each other. To be success-driven as he is, and still remain humble, is one of the characteristics that epitomise him as a human being. He is a great friend and inspires me to be dominant and a force to be reckoned with, as he is on the tracks.

Please send your feedback and comments to lobban_misha@yahoo.com.