Big ride for Bolt

After sprinting in the fast lane, Jamaican triple world record holder Usain Bolt will soon be motoring along the road in a brand new BMW M3 from his main sponsor, Puma.

The company's CEO, Jochen Zeitz, made the announcement at a news conference in Beijing, China, two days after Bolt celebrated his 22nd birthday. It also came a day after he ran the third leg of the 4x100 metres to help Jamaica win the gold medal and smash the world record by posting 37.10 seconds.

The relay win was Bolt's third gold of the 29th Olympiad, having earlier taken the 100 metres in a world record 9.69 seconds and the 200 metres, also in a world record 19.30 seconds.

"Usain, I'm not sure we can top the medals you won this week, but we didn't want you to miss out on a birthday celebration," said Zeitz. "So, we would like to present you with a special gift that we heard you've had your eye on in Jamaica. It's a fully-loaded BMW M3, and we'll be sending you the real thing when you get home."

Asked about the accusations of showboating levelled at him after he won the 100 metres, Bolt said: "I talked to the other athletes. Most of them were okay with it."

"That's just how it goes in track and field. I'm just trying to enjoy myself, that's it. The fans are watching, and they want to know your personality, and I try to enjoy myself at all times. I won't change, and a lot of people like seeing me perform. I won't change, because that's my personality." (Jamaica Observer)