GC Games bosses want Bolt in 2018
Aug 19, 2016 - 7:25 PM Organisers of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will do all they can to convince athletics superstar Usain Bolt to extend his career to attend their event.Bolt made Olympic history on Friday when he claimed his third successive 200m gold medal - the eighth gold medal of his remarkable career.
The 29-year-old has indicated he will retire following the 2017 world championships in London, but Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) chairman Peter Beattie hasn't ruled out luring the Jamaican to change his plans.
Bolt has only once competed in the Commonwealth Games in his career, helping Jamaica win the 4x100m relay as part of a promotional deal involving Virgin Media.
Beattie says whether a similar deal could be struck to bring him Down Under is unknown but organisers will be discussing their options when they meet the Commonwealth Games Federation in October.
"We'll explore whatever avenues we can to encourage him to come here," Beattie told AAP.
"He'd be a magnet for Queensland. A magnet for the Commonwealth Games."
Beattie says using local athletes such as Olympic champion Sally Pearson to promote the Games will remain GOLDOC's primary focus.
Pearson was appointed as the Games' first official ambassador in July and Beattie says while Bolt's global appeal is obvious, ensuring locals take centre stage is just as vital to the event's legacy.
"We want to make sure we leave a distinctive Gold Coast, Queensland, Australian flavour to the Games," he said.
"That's very important long term for the legacy of the Games."
Source: AAP
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