The Jamaican who holds the world and Olympic records in the 100 and 200 metres will aim encourage young people around the globe to become more active in sport in his role as ambassador for the Youth Olympic Games, the inaugural edition of which is scheduled to take place from August 14 and 26  in Singapore.

Bolt said: "I know how important it is to have mentors and role models when you are young to help give you focus and dreams to aspire to.

"I couldn’t be happier to be an ambassador for the first Youth Olympic Games and to provide inspiration and encouragement to the young athletes participating in Singapore this summer and to kids everywhere."

Jacques Rogge, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said: "We are very pleased that Usain will now join Michael and Yelena as Youth Olympic Games Ambassadors.

"These athletes are at the very top of their respective sports and they know the importance of having inspirational figures in their lives.

"Children around the world look up to Usain and it is wonderful that he has decided to motivate young people to become more active by joining the Youth Olympic Games team."


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