Usain Bolt is welcomed in Peru 2019 Pan American Games athletics venue visit

Eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt has headlined a promotional event to show off the athletics venue for the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.

Jamaican eight-time Olympic sprinting champion Usain Bolt (2-R) poses with the mascot of Pan American Games during a ceremony at the Videna Stadium in Lima, Peru, April 3, 2019. [Photo: IC]

Bolt won gold in the 200m at the Pan American Junior Championships in 2003, but never competed at the senior level in the competition.

"First of all, I just want to say I am happy to be here. I came in yesterday and I really got a warm welcome from the Peruvian people, I really appreciate that. To come here and to see these facilities is very amazing, because growing up, as I did in Jamaica, you didn't get to train on high class fields. It was hard, so for me to come and see this facility right now for the young… future generation of Peru is wonderful," said Bolt.

The Pan American Games take place every 4 years, and is a major competition featuring athletes from North and South America in a variety of events.

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The Games are also a certified opportunity for athletes to meet Olympic qualifying standards.