News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 11 years ago
Home  » Sports » Bolt to head cast at London's 'anniversary games'

Bolt to head cast at London's 'anniversary games'

April 17, 2013 15:39 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Usain Bolt will return to London to compete in the IAAF Diamond League meeting at the Olympic Stadium in which he achieved a clean sweep of gold medals last year.

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

Usain BoltThe 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 world championships in Moscow.

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.

Photograph: Marc Serota/Getty Images

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Paris Olympics 2024

India's Tour Of Australia 2024-25