I am here to run, says Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt on Saturday maintained that he was here at the 20th Commonwealth Games to try and get as many as runs as possible.

Addressing a press conference accompanied by former CGF president Mike Fennell, Bolt, 27, said he was in good shape after having recovered from the injury on his left foot which required a minor surgery and a hamstring niggle earlier into the season.

The six-time Olympic medallist said he found the atmosphere at the Games Village congenial and fun. “However, I am focussed on my training and looking forward to taking part in the relay. Yes, I will be participating from the heats onwards as I want to get in as many as runs as possible.”

Besides, athletics, the track star also revealed that he would like to watch the Jamaican netball team in action. “They are, I am told, doing pretty well here.”

Bolt, who took most of the questions jovially, however, was not be drawn in making a prediction on who would win the 100m in his absence. “I myself am looking forward to watching it.”

Bolt said that he always wanted to be part of the Commonwealth Games but this was the first opportunity for him. “I have always wanted to take part in the Commonwealth Games. In Australia, I strained my hamstring and had to pull out. And in India (2010) it was in October which was a bad time for me before the World championships.”

Asked why he was participating only in the 4x100m relay, Bolt was candid: “I did not want to take anyone’s spot as I did not go to the trials due to my injury. The injury has now healed and I have trained a lot during the past month and am here in good shape. I am just taking my time and do not want to push myself too much and get injured again.”

He was confronted with a lot of absurd questions too, but the champion athlete kept his cool. Asked whether he would definitely run, he said, “Of course. Why else would I be in Glasgow?”

When asked if he had ever worn a kilt, Bolt countered, “Red is not my favourite colour.”

Bolt singed off with a request to the organisers: “See to it that my name is spelt correctly the next time.” The placard on the table said, “Usian Bolt’!