AUCKLAND, NEW Zealand (CMC) — Sprint sensation Usain Bolt yesterday announced plans to defend his Olympic 100 and 200m titles in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and not switch disciplines.

Bolt previously hinted he could seek a new challenge in Rio, saying he wanted to have a go at the long jump, while he has continually been linked with the 400m, despite repeatedly insisting he does not want to step up in distance.

But, speaking on a trip to New Zealand, the world's fastest man confirmed his only intention is to go for a third defence of his sprint crowns in Brazil.

"Rio is about going and defending my titles," Bolt said in Auckland.

"I don't want to try any different events at Rio, because at Rio I will just defend my titles to show the world that there is a possibility that I can do it again. To do the three-peat, that is the focus."

Bolt declared himself a "living legend" after retaining his 100 and 200m crowns in London this summer, as well as being a member of his country's victorious 4x100m relay team.

His main focus for next year are the World Championships in Moscow and he claimed he would not be taking things easy now the Olympics are over.

"It's all about hard work. When I was doing great when I was young, people used to say I was fast for my age, but I have put a lot of work into since I was a senior athlete" said Bolt.

"I continue to work hard, continue staying focused and pushing myself so for me that's the focus right now to see how fast I can go and I definitely try to go faster each year."

Meanwhile, Bolt says his goal of lowering the 100m mark below 9.4 seconds still stands and hints of a possibility of it happening next season.

"There's a possibility [for 9.4s], there's a definite possibility. I think this season won't be so stressful, I can relax a little bit more, focus a little bit more," said the six-time Olympic gold medallist.

"It will be much easier without the pressure on your shoulders. I'm just going to continue working hard and pushing myself."

Meantime, the Jamaican athlete has told a news conference in Auckland that cricket is his "first love".

With the West Indies defeating Sri Lanka to win the T20 World Cup hours before Bolt touched down, the Jamaican acknowledged the career which might have been.

"I love cricket, it was my first love but I don't play much now. The only time I play now is with my brother," Bolt said.

"If I wasn't in athletics I would probably have a career somewhere else in sport."

Having dominated the world sprint circuit for the last two Olympic cycles, the Bolt 'pointing' pose and flamboyant pre-race behaviour have become internationally-recognised trademarks.

But Bolt insists he's not cocky.

"People always say I'm cocky. The pose just happened, there was a dance and I put a swing on it. I continue doing it for the fans because they're the ones who make us who we are"said Bolt.

"The gimmicks that I do are just to make me relax. When I get to the line it makes me relax and not worry. If you worry you tense up".