A fellow performer from Jamaica, Herdlyn Evans, knew Bolt from his schooldays and said he did not always display the confident bravado that he is so well known for.
On the world stage, Usain Bolt is not only the fastest man on Earth, but also one of its most renowned showmen.
After winning his final medal, which will be his last at an Olympics before his retirement, he simply said: 'There you go... I am the greatest.'
But a fellow performer from Jamaica, Herdlyn Evans, who knew Bolt from his schooldays, said he did not always display the confident bravado that he is so well known for.
Mr Evans, 32, is currently starring in the summer show at Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus as part of The Flying Aces act.
'At school he was the calmest guy,' Mr Evans said. 'He wasn't a showman at all.
'I remember when he went to his first Olympics, when he was still in school, and he lost the first race.
'He is now a totally different person.'
The two attended William Knibb Memorial High School in Falmouth, Trelawny, Jamaica in the 1990s.
Although Mr Evans did not know Mr Bolt, 30, personally, he said he was a big figure then who was celebrated as the top athlete of his age at the school.
Mr Evans, who now lives in California and is spending his first summer in the UK said he felt a great sense of pride watching his fellow countryman defend his record at the fastest Olympian in history.
He added: 'I can relate to his younger years.'
Mr Bolt grew up in Sherwood Content, a small town in Trelawny parish, Jamaica.
Mr Bolt has won the so- called 'triple triple' – that is competing in three Olympics and winning three gold medals in each of the 100m, 200m, and the sprint relays.
Mr Evans started his circus career 10 years ago and he trains regularly in the gym to make sure he is in top shape for the physical demands of the circus performance.
He joins comedy duo Jack Jay and Johnny Mac at the Hippodrome, as well as daredevil balancers, international trapeze and acrobatic stars and a thrilling performance by local rollerskaters. Also performing are the Togni Brothers who took part in Britain's Got Talent as well as swimmers in the unique water show.
The show runs every day at 2.30pm and 7.30pm (Sundays 2.30pm and 6.30pm, no shows on Friday afternoons).
Tickets are available daily from the box office 10am–8pm, or call 01493 844172, or book online at www.hippodromecircus.co.uk
Do you have a connection with an Olympian? Email george.ryan@archant.co.uk
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