The world’s fastest man said yesterday he looked forward to meeting Bermuda’s up-and-coming athletes next week.

Usain Bolt, who will fly in to the island on Tuesday, said: “I’m excited to meet some of the local young athletes and getting to know them, giving them a few speed secrets and just inspiring them in their budding track and field journeys.

“I can still remember the cheers of the Bermudians when I won my first world junior record in 2004. Hopefully in another few years I’ll be watching these kids set some new records.”

Mr Bolt set his first world record in the Men’s Under-20 200m race at the Carifta games at the National Stadium in 2004.

The eight-time Olympic gold medallist, “chief speed officer” for phone firm Digicel, will sign autographs and pose for pictures at the Digicel store on Church Street from 12.45pm to 1.45pm on Tuesday.