Rio Olympics: Bolt arrives in Brazil ahead of bid for historic triple-triple

Usain Bolt is in Rio de Janeiro - for all the dramas and scandal surrounding the Olympics in Brazil, from drugs bans to stadiums being far from ready, the star attraction has arrived to give the build-up to the Games a welcome boost.


The Jamaican landed in Rio on Wednesday night ahead of his bid to win an unprecedented 'triple-triple' if he can defend the 100m, 200m and sprint relay titles he won in Beijing in 2008 and in London four years ago.

After a less than ideal preparation for the Games, which saw him miss the Olympic trials with a hamstring injury but complete a comfortable 200m win at the Muller Anniversary Games in London, Bolt has insisted he is fit and ready to impress the world in Rio.

"I know the sport needs me to win and come out on top," Bolt said, with athletics and a number of other sports embroiled in drug scandals that threaten to overshadow the Games.

The world record holder in the 100m and 200m came through customs at Rio International Airport at about 9pm after a flight from London.

He posed for a few quick photos, but was uncharacteristically quiet as he passed by the gathered media and a smattering of fans.