Track and field fans at next month’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, will be delighted with news that Jamaican sprinting star Usain Bolt has made himself available to compete at the July 23 – August 3 event.
Bolt, who has enjoyed a stranglehold on international sprinting since taking three gold medals in world record times at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, advised, through his website, that he has informed the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) of his availability.
The thing though is that the 27-year-old, if selected, will only compete in the 4x100m relay.
Injury earlier
Bolt has been working to regain fitness and form after his build-up was disturbed by injury earlier this year, forcing the double Olympic champion to withdraw from races in Ostrava and Paris as well as the ongoing JAAA/Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships, which this year is being used to help select Jamaica’s athletics team to the Commonwealth Games.
“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 National Senior Championships is considered mandatory for athletes hoping to represent Jamaica at senior international competition, but under the JAAA selection criteria, injured athletes are allowed to skip the championships and maintain consideration once a medical exemption is granted.
FANS REQUEST
Bolt, however underlined that he does not want to take the place of someone who earned it at this weekend’s trials, but that he hopes to at least feature in a relay after receiving overwhelming support and requests from his fans in the United Kingdom.
“I do not wish to take the place of anyone who qualifies this weekend in an individual event, but I am available for relay duty if the selectors feel I can be an asset to the Jamaican team in Glasgow,” Bolt added. “I have received lots of requests, invitations and messages of support from my fans in Scotland who are looking forward to a great event.”
Bolt has never competed at the Commonwealth Games but has repeatedly stated that he hoped to feature in Glasgow and add a Commonwealth Games medal to his six Olympic and 10 World Championships medals.
Bolt Over Recent Injury, Available for Commonwealth Games
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