PARIS, France (AFP) — Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt will compete at the Paris meet of the IAAF Diamond League on July 16, organisers said yesterday.

Bolt, the world and Olympic champion in the 100 and 200m — in both of which he is also world record holder (9.58 and 19.19sec, respectively), will take part in the 100m.

The Jamaican won the event when he appeared at last year’s Golden League meeting at the Stade de France, clocking 9.79sec despite cold and rainy conditions.

“His potential remains an enigma; nobody knows what he’s capable of,” said Paris meet organiser Laurent Boquillet.

“He is in a class of his own, but his presence should electrify the rest of the race. We may see other athletes benefit from the high pace to record some very good times.”

Bolt will be up against team-mate and former world record holder Asafa Powell (9.77 in 2005, 9.74 in 2007).

The Paris meet is the ninth of the 14-leg Diamond League, launched by the IAAF this season to replace the Golden League series of six meetings in a bid to enhance the worldwide appeal of athletics by going outside Europe for the first time.

The Qatari capital of Doha will be the location for the first event on May 14 with the series concluding in Brussels on August 27.

Jamaica’s outstanding sprinters Usain Bolt (left) and Asafa Powell set to contest the 100 metres