Usain Bolt confirms his place at London Anniversary Games

World's fastest man, Bolt, will compete in London's world-class Diamond League event on July 22-23, making it his final appearance before the Rio Olympics, the lanky Jamaican said in a statement.

“I am pleased to announce my return to the Olympic stadium in London for the 2016 Anniversary Games," said Bolt.

"I know the athletics fans in London are very knowledgeable and passionate about track and field and will come out in force and create a great atmosphere like they always do. I first competed in the London Grand Prix in 2005 when the event was in Crystal Palace, this will be my ninth time to compete in a city I know very well.

"There are a lot of Jamaicans living in the UK and I always get great support – it is like my home away from home. See you in July.”

“Usain Bolt is a global sporting icon<" said Niels de Vos, CEO of British Athletics.

"This will be one of the last opportunities for families to attend the Anniversary Games and see him compete. The London Anniversary Games is one of the very best sporting events in Britain and will be even more special this year as it is staged so close to the Olympic Games.

"I expect the British sprinters to rise to the challenge of facing Usain Bolt and anticipate some electrifying performances from a range of world-class athletes.”

The news that Usain Bolt is returning to the scene of one of his greatest evenings is welcome news for British athletics especially so close to the Olympics Games in Rio de Janeiro where the Jamaican sprinter is trying to win three gold medals for the third successive Olympics in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay. There is a frisson attached to Bolt that few other sportsmen can manage in world sport, and tickets will be at a premiums to see such an exceptional sportsman perform back in these parts. Hopefully, he is in peak condition to challenge his own records as he approaches what he has himself described as his last years in sprinting.