Oslo, Norway, January 11 – Triple World record holder Usain Bolt will be competing in the ExxonMobil Bislett Games on 7 June in Oslo, Norway in the 100m.
The meeting in Oslo is one of 14 Samsung Diamond League meets in 2012 and the first in which Bolt has confirmed his participation.
“I am looking forward to come back to Oslo and the Bislett Games this summer and try the 100 metres,” said Bolt, the 2011 Athlete of the Year. “I have so many good memories from this great city with its fantastic stadium last year. I was really happy with my performance last year when I ran 19.87 in the 200 metres in front of a sold out stadium with its enthusiastic crowd. That race ended up being my second fastest 200m race of my season.”
“We are proud of having the biggest sport stars in the world lined up for our 100 metres race,” said Meeting Director Steinar Hoen.
“There is only around six weeks to go to the London Olympics after this race and there is no doubt it will be surrounded by an enormous amount of interest.”
“My preparations have been good this fall,” Bolt said. “I am injury free, working hard and everything is going according to plan. I hope to come to Bislett prepared and ready to run a great race.”
“This year is really important for me as it is an Olympic year and I am aiming to defend my three gold medals from Beijing. My 100 metres race at Bislett stadium June 7th will be an important stepping stone towards that goal.”
In addition to his three gold medals from the 2008 Olympic Games, Bolt has won five World titles – two in the 200m and 4x100m Relay and one at 100m – and also holds the World record in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m Relay along with his Jamaican teammates.