British legend Dame Kelly Holmes believes Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt should take part at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in order to complete his glittering medal collection.
Despite his dominance on the track on the world and Olympic stage, Bolt, 27, has never competed at the Commonwealth Games.
The six-time Olympic champion, who is currently sidelined with a foot injury and won’t return until June, is considering taking part in the Games in July, which is the main athletics event of 2014.
“I feel he should compete in Glasgow (at the Commonwealth Games) to complete his collection of what he’s achieved,” said Holmes after competing in the Color Run at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
“Usain Bolt is a superstar in athletics and I am sure if the Commonwealth Games fits into his schedule and he wants to do it, I am sure he will. That is the only major championship this year but it’s really up to him to decide.”
Holmes retired from athletics on a high after her 2004 Olympic triumph in the 800 and 1,500m in Athens, and the Kent resident feels Bolt, who is known to be reconsidering his intention of quitting after the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, should do the same in Brazil.
“He has to finish when he’s at the top of his game. He’s a superstar and you don’t want him to retire when he is beaten. You want to see him cross the finish line first and do his dance moves and entertain the crowds,” she said.
Holmes believes the Commonweath competition has a large significance for the participating countries, saying it gives athletes the perfect opportunity to shine.
“The Commonwealth Games as a whole is a stepping stone to a wide range of nations,” said Holmes. “It’s a multi-sport event. It’s about the whole experience and about competing and it is the perfect platform to perform.
“In every event you see countries have some great athletes coming through which is good news. Sports is improving around the world and it’s getting competive,” said Holmes, who will be aiming to take part in a duathlon each month in 2014.