Usain Bolt to retire after London 2017

Usain Bolt has confirmed that his final race will be in London at the 2017 World Athletics Championships.

The Jamaican sprinter – who has won six Olympic gold medals, eight World Championship titles and is the current world record holder in the 100m and 200m – had initially been expected to retire after the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

But he has told the Daily Mail that his plans have been changed so his swansong from the sport will be in London, where he won three Olympic gold medals in 2012.

He said, “That was the initial plan (to sign off after Rio). But my sponsor has asked me to go on for another year; to 2017 and London.

“But I’ll be doing one event, the 100. I’ve already discussed it with my coach. I can concentrate on that, and on retiring on a winning note.”

Bolt’s next major target is the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, in August.

He also wants to be remembered as one of the greatest athletes the world has seen.

He also lists Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan and Michael Johnson as his personal top three in sports.

But victory in Rio next year, to become the first man to win three consecutive 100m titles — and a possible treble in the 200m and sprint relay — could elevate him to a status alongside Ali.