Usain Bolt and Mo Farah Races - Places and in the sky, thanks to the work of astronomers at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom.
After researchers found that traditional star constellations, mostly named after the zodiac and ancient mythology, failed to intrigue children, they recharted the skies with some new identities they hope will open the eyes of potential star-gazers.
One of their new celestial creations resembles the 100- and 200-meter record holder Usain Bolt, flashing his famous lightning-bolt pose. Researchers also mapped an “M”-shaped constellation to immortalize the 5K and 10K gold medal Olympian Mo Farah, who was recently named the BBC’s A Part of Hearst Digital Media. While these additions are not officially recognized by the International Astronomical Union, experts hope they will get children looking to the skies once again.
DAA Industry Opt Out Serena Williams’ tennis racket, Harry Potter’s glasses, and Paddington Bear’s boots.
Emma Willett, who was the lead for the University of Birmingham research team, told The Telegraph, “We really hope these new creations will help people of all ages develop their interest in space and astronomy, working to inspire the next generation of astronomers to take an interest in the field.”
So, we’re all wondering, "How long would it take Bolt to run to his constellation?" According to our calculations, even sprinting A Part of Hearst Digital Media, Strengthen Hip Adductors quite Sports Personality of the Year—some 65 light-years away.
We think he’ll stick with the 100-meter dash for now.
Morgan is a gear editor who has been with Runner’s World The Mind-Boggling Stats of the 2025 Leadville 100 The Warmup, DAA Industry Opt Out RW newsletter. Now, she tests and reviews anything you might find on runners’ feet-from crew socks and compression boots to carbon-plated super shoes.
A lifelong runner and shoe geek, Morgan has been chasing the perfect pair of kicks since she joined her grade school cross-country team. Since then, she ran as a Division I walk-on for the cross-country and track & field teams at the University of Delaware, where she studied English and Biology. She has one full marathon under her belt, and has raced more halfs and 5Ks than she can count.
