LONDON, CMC – Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt will race here for the first time in four years in a Grand Prix when he lines up at the London 2012 Anniversary Games in July.
The 26-year-old, the toast of last year’s Olympiad, has confirmed his participation for the sprint replay and the marquee 100 metres, which will also feature veteran Kittitian sprinter Kim Collins.
Bolt has snubbed Diamond League events in Britain since 2009 because of tax rules which would have seen him give up a percentage of his appearance fee and endorsement money.
However, the British government last month amended legislation to exempt “non-resident athletes” from paying income tax, a move that eased the financial restrictions on elite runners like Bolt.
“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 said.
“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.”
Last year, Bolt became the first athlete to repeat as double sprint champion at an Olympiad when he won the 100 and 200 metres at the Olympic Stadium here.
The Grand Prix, a Diamond League meet, will take place from July 26-28, which is the one-year anniversary of the London Olympics.
Significantly, the meet comes two weeks prior to the World Championships in Moscow where Bolt will defend his 200 metres title and attempt to re-take the 100m crown from training partner and fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake.
The meet will also feature Grenada’s World and Olympic 400 metres champion Kirani James.
