The world’s fastest man,
Usain Bolt, has said he would compete at next month’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
According to Tidesports source, there had been doubts whether the six-time Olympic gold medallist would compete because of a late injury he sustained.
The news was a huge boost to Glasgow 2014 after Yohan Blake, Jamaica’s former 100 metres world champion, confirmed on June 24 that he would not participate in the Games.
It could be recalled that it was the injury that ruled Bolt out of the Ostrava Golden Spike meet and the meeting in Areva in Paris earlier in the year.
The publication also said that Bolt had revealed to the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) that he was available to compete at Glasgow.
“I am not ready to compete at the Jamaican Championships this weekend but I have informed the JAAA’s that I am available for selection for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and have submitted the relevant documentation,” Bolt said.
The 27-year-old athleties also indicated that he would only compete in the 4×100 metres relay event as he did not want to take the place of one of his teammates in the 100m or 200m contests.
Bolt is double Olympic champion in the two events.
“I do not want to take the place of anyone who qualifies this weekend in an individual event but I’m available for relay duty if the selectors feel I can be an asset to the Jamaican team in Glasgow,” Bolt said.
It also noted that Bolt had never raced in the Commonwealth Games, having missed the events in Melbourne in 2006 and Delhi four years ago.
David Grevemberg, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, was happy about the news and commended the world champion.
“Scotland has the biggest Hampden roar waiting for him and sports fans across the world will also relish the prospect of seeing him go for a first Commonwealth Gold in Glasgow,” he said.
The heats of the men’s 4x100m are due to hold at Hampden Park on Aug. 1, with the final the following evening.
The Commonwealth Games would take place from July 23 to August 3.