Bolt returns to scene of Olympic treble

Six-time Olympic champ Usain Bolt joins Jessica Ennis and Mo Farah at Diamond League event for first time in four years.

Jamaica''s Usain Bolt competes in the men
Bolt's inclusion in 100m and 4x100m relay will be major attraction for spectators at Queen Elizabeth Park [AFP]

Usain Bolt will hope to make a golden return to the Olympic Stadium this summer when he competes at the London IAAF Diamond League meeting for first time in four years.

The Jamaican six-times Olympic champion will head a glittering cast as London’s Queen Elizabeth Park celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Olympic opening ceremony.

The meeting, held on July 26-28, will feature 29 Olympic medallists, including 12 champions and four world record holders. Britain’s heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis and double Olympic champion Mo Farah will also take part.

Sprinter Bolt’s presence in the 100m and 4x100m relay will top the bill, however, as he puts the finishing touches to his preparations for August’s championships in Moscow. 

“I’m looking forward to coming back to the UK, especially with it being a year since winning three gold medals in the Olympic Stadium.”

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt

Other than the Olympics, it will be his first competitive appearance in London since 2009, partly due to Britain’s tax laws which could have seen him give up a share of his appearance or prize money and endorsements.

An exemption for “non-residents” is now in force and Bolt said he was relishing the chance to play a part in what is being dubbed the “Anniversary Games.”

“I’m looking forward to coming back to the UK, especially with it being a year since winning three gold medals in the Olympic Stadium,” Bolt who repeated his Beijing hat-trick in London last year, said in a statement.

“The crowd were amazing at the Games, and I hope they will be out again in their numbers at the end of July. I haven’t competed at the London Diamond League since 2009 but it has always been a great meet with lots of Jamaican support – it almost feels like running at home.”

Bolt won the 100m and 200m in London and then helped Jamaica win the 4x100m relay in a new world record.

Source: Reuters