Bolt Confirms Availablity for the Commonwealth Games

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt has announced he will be available for next month’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The double 100m and 200m world and Olympic champion has struggled with a foot injury, which had placed his participation in the championships in doubt after having to pull out of two high-profile events in Paris and Ostrava earlier this season.

But he has now confirmed he would yet be making his first ever appearance at the Commonwealth Games, but fears his participation might be limited to the relays as he has not to peaked for this weekend’s Jamaican national championships.

Usain Bolt Confirms His Participation in Next Month's Commonwealth Games, But Not the Individual Events.
Usain Bolt Confirms His Participation in Next Month’s Commonwealth Games, But Not the Individual Events.

“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,” said the 27-year-old.

“I do not wish to take the place of anyone who qualifies this weekend in an individual event but am available for relay duty if the selectors feel I can be an asset to the Jamaican team in Glasgow.”

The six-time Olympic champion missed the previous events in Melbourne in 2006 and Delhi four year’s ago, but his confirmation of interest at the IAAF Centenary Gala in Barelona last November came as a major boost for the competition and for the organisers, who have been lobbying for his participation.

And depending on Jamaica’s selectors’ decision, Bolt could appear in the 4×100m relay, which heats will be held at Hampden Park on Saturday 1st August, with the final slated for the next day evening.

“I have received lots of requests, invitations and messages of support from my fans in Scotland who are looking forward to a great event,” he added.

Jamaica won silver in the 4×100m in the last edition but, inspired by Bolt, struck Gold at the World Championships last August.

Meanwhile, Bolt’s training partner and team-mate, Yohan Blake, last week announced that he will not be competing in the Games.