Bolt returns to Ostrava – IAAF World Challenge

Prague, Czech Republic – The fastest man in the world will return to the Ostrava Golden Spike meeting this year for the fifth time.

Usain Bolt will be the top star of 50th jubilee edition of the top Czech one day meeting on 31 May 2011, which is part of IAAF World Challenge series.

The Jamaican star loves the Ostrava crowd and the supporters love him. Since 2008 because of his presence the stadium has been sold out now for three years in a row.

“I am always happy to come back to Ostrava,” said Bolt. “The organisers are always very welcoming and the crowd is one of the best on the circuit.  The meet usually has a lot of energy and this helps me run fast. 2011 will be my fifth time to run in the Golden Spike meeting.  I have four Golden Spike trophies from winning previous meets and would like to get a fifth on 31st May. Previously I competed in the 100m, 200m twice and 300m in Ostrava.  I have not yet decided which event I will run this year.  My coach will decide closer to the competition.”

Bolt was supposed to run also in 2004 as junior star but due to injury he was a late withdrawal, but was even mentioned in the official printed programme. In 2006 he achieved first meet record in the 200m in 20.28sec, in 2008 clocked another meet record at 200m 19.83. A year later he posted windy 9.77 (+2.1) to win the 100 m and last year achieved in rain low-altitude all-time best and area record at 300m 30.97. All three race options are open for him as 100m, 200m and 300m are already on the meet schedule.

Bolt has already been declared to race in the Samsung Diamond League meetings in Rome, Oslo, Paris and Monaco.

Present at today’s press conference where Bolt’s participation was announced was fresh European Indoor 60m Hurdles champion Petr Svoboda who aims for the May date for a fast time. "I’m still tired with everything around my gold medal from Paris, lots of activities. For the summer the main aim is to remain healthy and reach the finals in Daegu," said Svoboda.

Organisers for the IAAF