Usain Bolt to return to London Anniversary Games ahead of Rio Olympics

Six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt will conclude preparations to defend his three Olympic sprint titles in Rio next summer at the London Anniversary Games, the Jamaican athlete has confirmed. Bolt will make his third appearance at the meet, which celebrates the previous staging of the London 2012 Olympics, in as many years having competed in 2013 and 2014.

The event, staged at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, will represent his final race before travelling to Brazil to defend his 100m, 200m and 4x100m titles won in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012. The 29 year old completed the double-double in the English capital and will look to claim gold in each of the three events for an unprecedented third time.

"I know the athletics fans in London are very knowledgeable and passionate about track and field and will come out in force and create a great atmosphere like they always do," Bolt said. "I first competed in the London Grand Prix in 2005 when the event was in Crystal Palace, this will be my ninth time to compete in a city I know very well. There are a lot of Jamaicans living in the UK and I always get great support – it is like my home away from home. See you in July."

The third annual London Anniversary Games takes place between 22-24 July and this year saw the likes of Jessica Ennis-Hill and Mo Farah both compete. Bolt is the first athlete to be confirmed for the weekend however other athletes eyeing a final race before Rio are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Niels de Vos, chief executive officer of British Athletics, said: "The London Anniversary Games is one of the very best sporting events in Britain and will be even more special this year as it is staged so close to the Olympic Games. I expect the British sprinters to rise to the challenge of facing Usain Bolt and anticipate some electrifying performances from a range of world-class athletes."