Bolt aims to reign in London

World 100m record holder Usain Bolt has promised “something very special” when he competes over his preferred 200m distance at the Aviva London Grand Prix on July 25-26.

Last month he completed a double at Jamaica’s national championships to secure his place at this summer’s Olympics, beating rival Asafa Powell in the 100m on Saturday then winning the 200m a day later.

Bolt said: “Despite the fact I have been mainly running 100m this season, I still see the 200m as my best event.

“I know I am capable of something very special over the longer distance.

“I can’t wait to get out there and show just what I can do over 200m at the Aviva London Grand Prix.

“Crystal Palace is known as a quick track, there will be a truly world-class field and there is always good support for the Jamaican athletes when we run in London. I can’t wait.”

Bolt, who ran the world’s fifth-fastest ever 200m on Sunday in Athens, will join Powell at the London meeting in what is likely to be their last outings before Beijing.

Powell will run in the 100m against America’s Tyson Gay, the 100m world champion, making it a mouth-watering two days of competition with the three fastest men in history on show.

Taking place over two days for the first time in 23 years, the Aviva London Grand Prix will host a spectacular send-off for British athletes as they finalise their Olympic preparations.

Among the British athletes confirmed are Kelly Sotherton, Phillips Idowu, Nicola Sanders and Christine Ohuruogu.