Bolt says he wants to inspire fans tired of doping.
"Things happen in life and people make mistakes, but as an athlete you have to be very careful and aware. It's difficult, but that's why you have a team, to help you with these things," said world record holder Usain Bolt on Thursday; he intends to raise the flag for a doping-free sport during a Diamond League event in London.
By Mitch Phillips
LONDON, July 25 (Reuters) World track and field record holder Usain Bolt said on Thursday that he will raise the flag for a doping-free sport during a Diamond League event in London, after facing a barrage of questions about the scandals that have tarnished the sport.
Bolt will compete in the 100-meter dash on Friday and the 4x100m relay on Saturday, but the main topic of a press conference held at a London hotel on Thursday was the recent doping of his Jamaican compatriots Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson, as well as the American Tyson Gay.
"Things happen in life and people make mistakes, but as an athlete you have to be very careful and aware. It's difficult, but that's why you have a team, to help you with these things," said Bolt.
The Jamaican said he had spoken briefly with Powell, the former world record holder in the 100m, to tell him to stay strong despite the problems.
Asked if he thinks the public will trust him amidst so many doping cases in athletics, Bolt confidently said: "If you had followed me since 2002, you would know that I have been doing phenomenal things since I was 15 and breaking records all the time."
"I was born to inspire people and to run, I received a gift for it. I will continue running and using my talent, and helping the sport... I know I'm clean and that I only want to improve the sport, and that's what I'm going to do."