Rome:
Golden Gala organisers announced on Friday that world record-holder Usain Bolt will run the 100 meters at the meet in Rome on May 26.
It will mark Bolt's first Diamond League meet of the season, with the Jamaican also committed to run the 200 in June at the Bislett Games in Oslo.
"I know the Stadio Olimpico has a very fast track," Bolt said in a statement. "A lot of the best sprinters in the world have achieved great times there over the last 10 years and I hope to add my name to the list, hopefully at the top."
American sprinter Tyson Gay set the Golden Gala record of 9.77 seconds in 2009, while Bolt's record of 9.58 came later that year at the world championships in Berlin.
Bolt missed the end of last year's outdoor track season due to back and Achilles' tendon problems, but is hoping to defend his 100 and 200 world titles at this year's worlds in Daegu, South Korea, in August.
"I'm completely healthy again after last season's injury and my training is proceeding very well," he said. "I'm confident that I'll be able to achieve my best form at the right moment, in the summer."
Rome officials also announced at a news conference that 800-meter world record-holder David Rudisha will be at the Golden Gala, which is held annually at the 80,000-seat Stadio Olimpico.
The stadium is often half empty for the meet, but organizers are hoping more fans show up this year.
"It will be my first time in Italy and I can't wait to experience the reaction of the fans in Rome," Bolt said.
It will mark Bolt's first Diamond League meet of the season, with the Jamaican also committed to run the 200 in June at the Bislett Games in Oslo.
"I know the Stadio Olimpico has a very fast track," Bolt said in a statement. "A lot of the best sprinters in the world have achieved great times there over the last 10 years and I hope to add my name to the list, hopefully at the top."
American sprinter Tyson Gay set the Golden Gala record of 9.77 seconds in 2009, while Bolt's record of 9.58 came later that year at the world championships in Berlin.
Bolt missed the end of last year's outdoor track season due to back and Achilles' tendon problems, but is hoping to defend his 100 and 200 world titles at this year's worlds in Daegu, South Korea, in August.
"I'm completely healthy again after last season's injury and my training is proceeding very well," he said. "I'm confident that I'll be able to achieve my best form at the right moment, in the summer."
Rome officials also announced at a news conference that 800-meter world record-holder David Rudisha will be at the Golden Gala, which is held annually at the 80,000-seat Stadio Olimpico.
The stadium is often half empty for the meet, but organizers are hoping more fans show up this year.
"It will be my first time in Italy and I can't wait to experience the reaction of the fans in Rome," Bolt said.
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