News

Usain Bolt Is Even In Temple Run 2

by Margaret Judson

The most famous and decorated sprinter on the planet will run what will likely be his last race for the 2016 Olympics Friday night in the 4x100-meter matchup. But you don't have to wait until the next Games to see him again: He's already got another gig of sorts: Usain Bolt has a cameo in Temple Run 2.

The runner already topped his signature "Bolt" stance this year when he hit the unbelievable high-water mark during the 100-meter semi-final in which he was winning by so much, against the fastest humans on Earth, that he had time to flash a smile to the camera. It's unclear if he'll be able to top that moment, but he and his team are expected to win another gold Friday night in the men's 4x100-meter relay.

He's also been immortalized in one of the most popular running games, Temple Run 2. What's even better is this: Because the game has added Bolt as a playable character, you can be that awesome on your commute to work — or whenever; that's just when I play and, apparently, when the world's fastest man plays too. According to an Imangi Studios press release, quoting Bolt, "I travel all over the world, and travel time gives me lots of opportunity to play Temple Run at airports or on car journeys." All you need is to be willing to cough up 99 cents.

As the LA Times notes, the less-than-a-dollar investment is probably worth it; the character should be as world-class in the game as he is in real life. Because, of course. It just seems right that the fastest runner ever would be part of the most popular running game. And, as seems equally appropriate, he's got some of the best powers a character's ever had in the game. Bolt specifically says he has the best power-up the game's ever seen — you can be in boost mode and collect coins at the same time.

The Olympian seems to be pretty pumped about being added to the game. In an email to the LA Times he said, "It’s an honor to be a part of such an established game. ... Many of my fans have told me that I should be a playable character in Temple Run, so when this opportunity was put before me, I had to say YES!"