LONDON, England — Double world record holder Usain Bolt, arguably the most popular athlete taking part in the Games of the XXX Olympiad here in London, has admitted his global recognition and fame has humbled him.

Bolt is one of the most recognisable faces anywhere in the world and his images are plastered over huge advertising billboards and in advertising campaigns all over the world, from Kingston to London to New York to Brasil.

He has taken photographs with world leaders, politicians, top sports personalities, models, and entertainment personalities and had to be 'rescued' by teammates after being mobbed for autographs and photos at last Friday's Opening Ceremony at Olympic Park.

In a Jamaica Olympic Association/PUMA Press Conference held in east London last week, Bolt said he was surprised at the treatment, reserved for "other superstars", being given to him.

"I get surprised every day," he said at the press conference. "Every time I walk on the street people always recognise me; I can't walk on the streets anymore. I can't go through airports as easy anymore, and to be treated like this is really humbling," he said.