Bolt ready to light up Games
The Commonwealth Games receive a huge boost as Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt arrives in Glasgow fit and healthy.
Almost immediately after Usain Bolt landed in Scotland, the level of hero worship afforded to him demonstrated just how important the sprint star’s participation is to the Commonwealth Games.
The Jamaican has never raced before at the Commonwealths, and his slow recovery from a foot injury had put this appearance in doubt.
I am here to run, I don't see why else I would travel all this way to Glasgow.
Despite skipping the individual sprints, Bolt insists he will honor a commitment to enter the relay – both the heat and a probable final.
“I am here to run,” the six-time Olympic champion said. “I will be running definitely.”
Bolt seemed affronted to be asked if there would be a late withdrawal like distance runner Mo Farah, who has the same management representation.
Doubts over participation
“That’s a very weird question,” Bolt said, burying his head in his hands in disbelief. “Yes, I am here to run, I don’t see why else I would travel all this way to Glasgow.”
“The injury has completely gone, fitness wise I’ve done a lot of training over the past month,” he said. “I’ve been really pushing myself and I’m in pretty good shape, but I’m not yet in running shape, hence why I’m running the heats just to get a few runs in.”
Bolt’s appearance on the Hampden Park track in the 4×100 relay heats will be his first competitive action all year.
A hamstring injury prevented Bolt appearing at the 2006 Melbourne Games and the logistically troubled Delhi Games were badly timed for him in October 2010.
Before racing at Hampden Park, Bolt will try to stay out of the limelight but won’t be escaping the confines of the games.
“I always stay in the athletes villages. It’s always fun to be among the athletes, and it makes you relax more, and just enjoying to talk and to laugh and to bond with everyone.”