Sprint king Usain Bolt comes to aid of ailing alma mater

Kingston: Sprint icon Usain Bolt has donated JAM$1.3 million ($10,960), along with equipment, to bolster the ailing sports programme at his alma mater, William Knibb Memorial High.

Bolt visited the school, in the town of Falmouth on Jamaica’s north coast, in response to a plea from authorities there after they ran into difficulties in funding the sports programme, on Thursday, reports CMC.

Bolt, who still resides in Jamaica, said he had an obligation to help the school whenever there was a need.

“William Knibb played an integral role in the athlete and the man that I am today,” the multiple-times World and Olympic sprint champion said.

“So anytime they call or if there is anything I can do to give back, I'm more than willing.”

In keeping with his dynamic personality, Bolt posed for photos with students and also spent time talking with teaching staff.

Bolt, who attended William Knibb between 1998 and 2003, shot to global prominence during the 2008 Beijing Olympics when he won both the 100 and 200 metres in record time.

He repeated the feat the following year at the Berlin World Championships, setting new records in both events.

His 9.58 seconds in the 100 metres and 19.19 in the 200m, remain World records.