His new role as co-owner and active member of WYLDE’s leadership involves him putting focus into growing the organisation's brand and aiding their goal of identifying, empowering and supporting talent and promoting diversity and inclusion.

Bolt retired from sprinting in 2017 following an unprecedented career where he won 11 World Championship gold medals and became the world record holder in the 100 metres, 200m and 4x100m relay in addition to his Olympic medal collection of eight golds.

He set times of 9.58 seconds and 19.19sec in the 100m and 200m in 2009.

Alongside his Jamaican teammates, Bolt helped to set a world record time of 36.84sec in the men's 4x100m relay at the London 2012 Olympics.

In his final 100m outing, he won bronze at the London 2017 World Championships.

"WYLDE is on a journey to becoming one of the biggest brands in the fastest growing sport in the world," Bolt said.

"In esports, like in track and field, it’s critical to have that competitive, winning mentality.

"I look forward to working with the WYLDE leadership team to help our players to reach their potential, while also taking care of their physical and mental wellbeing."

WYLDE was founded two years ago by former JP Morgan investment banker Steve Daly and David Cronin, the former President and chief executive of the American Ireland Funds and a founding shareholder of Irish technology company UMAS.

The company has teams competing in Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League and the FIFA franchise having recruited professional players, academy competitors and content creators across 16 countries.

"Usain coming on board takes WYLDE to the next level," co-founder Cronin said.

"With his vast competitive experience and Olympic-winning mentality, his guidance will be invaluable as we continue to build professional structures to support the development of our players."

Due to esports’ growing popularity, the sport is predicted to attract one billion viewers by 2025, with esports competitions set to be staged as part of this year's Asian Games in Hangzhou, and alongside this year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.