TOKYO, Japan –  Global track and field icon Usain Bolt has weighed in on the controversial issue of athletes switching allegiance, insisting that representing Jamaica was never up for debate during his medal-laden career.

“Everybody knows I rep Jamaica through and through, and at no point in my career, I even thought about running for any other country. However, each athlete has to do what they think is best for them and their family,” Bolt told the Jamaica Observer in an exclusive interview in Tokyo.

Several high-profile Jamaican athletes recently switched allegiance to Turkey, with Olympic Discus gold medal winner Roje Stona, Long Jump silver medal winner Wayne Pinnock and Shot Put bronze medallist Rajindra Campbell, as well as top Triple Jumper Jaydon Hibbert, all moving away from team Jamaica.

Bolt, who is in Tokyo on ambassadorial duty for longtime sponsors Puma, as well as World Athletics, after the recent announcement that he will be the Ultimate Legend for the upcoming Ultimate Championships in Budapest, says he is looking forward to cheering on the Jamaicans from the stands and hopes they will be able to put their best foot forward in the Japanese capital.

“This is my first championship as a fan, so I’m just here to cheer on the team and wishing all the athletes all the best,” said Bolt.

The World Athletics Championships will start on Saturday (Friday evening Jamaica time) at the Japan National Stadium.

Usain Bolt speaks to the Jamaica Observer in Tokyo Japan on Wednesday (Photo: Garfield Robinson)