Usain Bolt: I did not say the Commonwealth Games were 'a bit s***'

Jamaican sprint king had appeared to criticise the Glasgow Games

James Orr
Wednesday 30 July 2014 09:01 EDT
Comments
Usain Bolt speaks to reporters in Glasgow
Usain Bolt speaks to reporters in Glasgow (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Usain Bolt has denied calling the Commonwealth Games a "bit s***", describing the reports as "nonsense".

Bolt was reported in the Times to have made the remark outside the athletes' village on Tuesday, also replying "not really" when asked if he was having fun in Glasgow.

But the six-time Olympic champion responded on his Twitter feed by saying: "I'm waking up to this nonsense..journalist please don't create lies to make headlines."

Bolt's manager Ricky Simms told BBC Sport the remarks attributed to the athlete were "utter rubbish".

Simms added: "The atmosphere in and around the stadiums has been absolutely fantastic and I have absolutely no idea where these quotes have come from."

The Jamaican will only be running the 4x100 metres relay at the Games, opting against running in the 100 and 200m events, which he is world champion in.

Asked on Saturday what he expected from Glasgow, he said he had "no expectations".

"A lot of rain maybe, seeing a lot of kilts around the place," Bolt told reporters. "I didn't come here with expectations, I'm just coming out and trying to see the country. I guess they will try to show me their culture.

"I always stay in the athletes' village, it's always fun to be among the athletes, it makes you relax more.

"I try not to walk around the village too much because I tend to take a lot of pictures. I will stay in my room most of the time."

Bolt said he was looking forward to seeing the Reggae Girlz, the Jamaican netball team, during his time in Glasgow.

Bolt has yet to race this year after taking time to recover from a foot injury but said he was in "pretty good shape" and looking forward to getting races under his belt.

He also said he was eager to make his Commonwealth Games debut having missed the Melbourne Games through injury in 2006 and not appearing at the Delhi Games in 2010.

The three Friday evening heats are timed for 2135, 2143 and 2151 with the sprint relay final being held at 2115 on Saturday night, wrapping up the athletics programme.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in