Usain Bolt values his eight Olympic gold medals over his world records

Usain Bolt is widely regarded in track & field athletics as the best sprinter of all-time.

His individual world records, set at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin in the 100m and 200m, still stand, as targets for the top men at the Tokyo 2020 Games in 2021.

The times of 9.58s in the 100m and 19.19s in the 200m may well be etched into the minds of athletics fans but, for Bolt, the Olympic triumphs mean more.

"It's always going to be the [Olympic] gold medals," Bolt said to CNN Sport.

"I think that's what really stamped my authority on the sport, you know what I mean, I showed my dominance throughout the years.”

Usain Bolt: Exercise regime still important

Bolt was back-to-back Olympic champion three times in the 100 and 200m at Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016.

"I'm very proud of being the fastest man in the world, but it takes so much to do three back-to-back Olympic and win those, so for me I'm most proud of my gold medals."

He also holds two 4x100m relay golds.

Since retiring from the sport in 2017, Bolt has retained his respect for looking after his body.

"For me, you kind of learn and understand that exercise is very, very important, even just walking just to keep yourself healthy, you know what I mean," he said.

"Over the years, I've learned so much about weight and just nutrition, so I understand the necessary steps I need to take to make sure I'm healthy. I'm having a family and I want to make sure I'm around to see them, you know."