Kingston (Jamaica): Sprint legend Usain Bolt has hailed coach Glen Mills as the key to his recent success at the London Olympics.
The 26-year-old swept both sprints to become the first athlete to win back-to-back 100 metres and 200 metres titles at an Olympic Games, following his success in the Beijing Olympics four years ago.
"I want to give thanks to Glen Mills. He is the greatest person; he has been a father figure, my mentor, he`s been a coach and for me he is the person that makes me laugh," Bolt was quoted as saying by CMC Wednesday.
"He`s truly a great person overall. He is the greatest coach ever."
Bolt returned to the island Saturday with little fanfare, following the conclusion of the lucrative Diamond League campaign with the last meet in Brussels.
He went unbeaten on the international circuit and his only losses during the season came at the National Trials here in June when he suffered two shock defeats to training partner Yohan Blake.
That sparked mad speculation over Bolt`s form and raised serious doubt over his ability to defend his Olympic title.
Bolt praised his "true fans" for standing by him during that testing period.
"I just have one thing to say. Never doubt a champion," Bolt said.
"I want to thank my real, true fans. There were a lot of doubters and a lot of people were happy that I lost (trials) and were saying a lot of things. But my true fans, my coach, my team gave me that support and were 100 per cent behind me."
He joked: "I want everybody to continue supporting Usain Bolt, Doctor, the Honourable."
Bolt won the 100 metres at the London Olympics in a meet record 9.63 seconds before also re-capturing the 200 metres in a season-best time of 19.32 seconds.
IANS/CMC
First Published: Thursday, September 13, 2012, 17:12