Usain Bolt Hails 'Bibi' Gardner After Receiving Order of Distinction

Bolt congratulates a Jamaican football legend on receiving a national honor for his contribution to the sport and national pride.

Jamaican sprinting legend Usain Bolt has shared heartfelt congratulations to fellow Jamaican sports icon Ricardo ‘Bibi’ Gardner, who was recently awarded the prestigious Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer.

Gardner, a former national football star, was honored alongside 42 other Jamaicans for his outstanding contribution to football and his long-standing service to the country through sport.

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Gardner's inclusion to this roll of honor nationally has struck a chord on the island, as Bolt took to Instagram to honor the former defender's heritage while celebrating his achievements.

Both have represented Jamaica abroad and both are now known to every household in their respective disciplines.

"Hard earned Bibi. Your contribution to the sport and country is greatly appreciated. Blessings my G," declared Bolt, quoting a picture of Gardner in his playing days.

Gardner, who is best known for Jamaica's historic 1998 FIFA World Cup bid, has enjoyed a well-rounded career playing for Bolton Wanderers, Harbour View, and Preston North End.

He remains one of the nation's most iconic football figures, having helped the Reggae Boyz secure their only win at a World Cup competition—against Japan in a thrilling group stage match.

Bolt, himself a retired competitive athlete since 2017, has consistently used his height to advance Jamaican excellence into the international spotlight across all avenues, including sports, culture, and tourism.

"To me, it's an honor to put the country on the map and get people to come and want to come and to also introduce the best of the country. It's wonderful," Bolt recently posted on Instagram in regards to his new role as Jamaica's Global Tourism Ambassador.

The Ministry of Tourism appointed Bolt as a formal ambassador in May 2025, with Minister Edmund Bartlett stating, "Usain Bolt has been Jamaica's unofficial ambassador for years through his tremendous athletic achievement and charm. This appointment formalizes what the world already knows – Usain embodies the spirit, determination, and excellence that define Jamaica."

For Gardner, the Order of Distinction is the icing on the cake of a career of commitment and devotion. In retirement from global football, he has remained active with community development and youth mentoring, still giving back to the sport that gave so much to him.

Usain Bolt's demonstration of support for Gardner's recognition isn't an Instagram post—it's a nod by one Jamaican legend for another.

Their admiration of each other shows the friendly spirit of Jamaica's sporting community, whereby athletes are always quick to celebrate others' success.

Bolt, who is currently balancing humanitarian work and ambassadorial duties, is also due to travel to India in late September 2025. This is his second trip to the country since 2014 and will include visits to sporting and cultural events.

For now, however, the spotlight remains on ‘Bibi’ Gardner, whose contributions to Jamaican football have earned him one of the country’s highest civilian honors—with the blessings and applause of none other than Usain Bolt himself.