Usain Bolt today helped Bob Marley's daughter launch Jamaica's team uniform for London 2012.
The kit, manufactured by Bolt's personal sponsor Puma, has been designed by Cedella Marley, herself a successful reggae artist who has since become a well-known fashion designer.
The designs will be worn by Jamaica's athletics team, who in Beijing four years ago finished fourth in the medals table with a total of 11 medals, including six gold, three of them won by Bolt.
"It is truly an honour to design this collection for my home country and my home team," said the 44-year-old Marley (pictured below with Bolt), who is now based in Miami.
"It's not even a dream come true because it's something I never dreamed would be possible.
"I ran track in high school in Jamaica and I'm still a huge fan of Jamaican Athletics, so to have a role in creating the outfits for our Olympians is a thrill.
"I admire what Puma has been doing in Jamaica over the years and the Marley family has the same type of give-back philosophy.
"I think this partnership is going to be legendary."
The collection, launched a special ceremony in London hosted by British DJ Trevor Nelson, incorporates high-tech fabrics and silhouettes engineered to enhance the performance of the athletes hailing from the fastest country in the world.
Marley took inspiration, she claimed, from the vibrant colours and patterns of the Caribbean nation as well as the African influences that have come to characterise that country.
"I can't think of a better person to design our Olympic outfits than Cedella," said Bolt, who had jetted into England from Rome, where the previous night he had won the 100 metres at the Diamond League meeting in 9.76sec, the fastest time in the world this year.
"Puma got that right...hooking up with a legendary Jamaican.
"She's a great designer but also carries on the spirit of our nation through the legacy of the Marley family.
"It's going to be inspirational to run in London with that energy surrounding me."
Puma's Olympic wear will be accompanied by a lifestyle collection of apparel, footwear and accessories which will be available at retail stores globally later this month.
Bolt s confident that the kit will be a hit with Jamaican fans.
"This [London] is the home from over the Atlantic for me," he said.
"I'm looking forward to competing.
"I know all the Jamaicans living in London are looking forward to it as well.
"I'm coming over to put on a great show as always."
-Duncan Mackay
Source: www.insidethegames.biz