The fastest man in history, Usain Bolt, will compete in Victoria next year at a world-exclusive event secured by the Andrews Labor Government.
Acting Minister for Tourism and Major Events Philip Dalidakis joined the nine-time Olympic gold medallist and world record holder on the banks of the Yarra River today, announcing Victoria had secured the revolutionary new blockbuster, Nitro Athletics.
Set over three action-packed nights at Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium, Nitro Athletics will feature Australia’s stars of track and field alongside the biggest names in athletics.
It’s a fresh, exciting approach to the world-renowned sport – and it’s Victoria’s.
There’s no bigger name than Usain Bolt, the fastest man ever to grace the earth with an air of charisma to match. The global sensation has never raced in Australia, but has often said he would love to call Melbourne home.
The 30-year-old Jamaican shot to prominence at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, breaking world records in the 100m and 200m finals to claim gold, and then leading his country to glory in the 4x100m relay.
Bolt went on to repeat his triple gold medal-winning performance in London and again in Rio to become one of the greatest athletes in Olympic history.
Nitro Athletics is the latest major event set to feature on Victoria’s world-class calendar. It’s not just a great spectacle, but a crucial driver of visitation, jobs and growth for businesses.
Sports fans will converge on Victoria from all over the world to watch Bolt up close, and that’s great news for our restaurants, hotels and other traders.
We established Visit Victoria to attract the biggest events and showcase Victoria like never before. The new entity has been up and running for just a few short months, and has already secured the hottest property in world sport.
Nitro Athletics begins on February 4, continues February 9 and culminates with a final on February 11.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Tourism and Major Events Philip Dalidakis
“Nitro Athletics isn’t just a great new idea and a stunning spectacle, it’s going to be another big boost to Victoria’s major events calendar.”
“Visitors will travel from all over Australia to see Usain Bolt – a nine-time Olympic gold medallist and the fastest man in history – which is great news for our local tourism industry.”
Quotes attributable to Usain Bolt
“Nitro Athletics is what track and field needs – a fresh way to present the sport – and I can’t wait to be back in Melbourne to share Nitro Athletics with the fans in February.”
“This will be track and field as it’s never been seen before and that’s why I’m involved, not only as a competitor, but also as a team captain.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020