15 December 2015

The Greatest of all time – Usain Bolt – is back in London for a vital event as he prepares for Olympic defence

The world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt (coach: Glen Mills), is set to compete at the world-class London Anniversary Games next summer.

World record holder Bolt will take to the track at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London in what will be his final race before the Olympic Games in Rio.

Part of the IAAF Diamond League, the London Anniversary Games is one of the best athletics meetings in the world and one of the showpiece events in the British sporting summer. Staged at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, East London on 22-23 July 2016, the event will provide the final races for many of the world’s best athlete before they head to Rio for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Usain Bolt is a sportsman who transcends track and field and is a global icon.

In 2015, he successfully defended his 100m, 200m and 4x100m titles at the Beijing World Championships and is the double Olympic Champion at 100m, 200m and 4x100m.

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

The London Anniversary Games will also provide a value opportunity for British sprinters to face the best athletes in the world on home soil so close to the Olympic Games.

Niels de Vos, Chief Executive of British Athletics said:

“Usain Bolt is a global sporting icon. 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.”

Make the most of your last shopping window this side of Christmas and catch the World’s Fastest Man live in action, next summer.

For tickets to the London Anniversary Games please visit http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/2016_Athletics_Season