TOKYO, Japan — Usain Bolt has made his position clear on the contentious issue of athletes switching allegiance: loyalty to country comes first.

While the track and field world gets set to grapple over the issue during the World Athletics Congress and Convention here over the next two days, the eight-time Olympic champion is also making his presence felt off the track as he gets ready for a new ambassadorial role with the upcoming Ultimate Challenge, all while finding time to enjoy his first experience at “Worlds” as a fan.

Eight years have passed since Bolt hung up his spikes, but he remains the biggest name in the sport. The 39-year-old says while he appreciates that each athlete has the right to decide on his/her future, he has never considered representing another country.

“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.

Bolt’s comments cut to the heart of one of the sport’s growing problems, one that has had direct and potentially devastating effect on countries like Jamaica — rich in talent, limited in resources.

Several Jamaican athletes have switched flags in recent years, poached by the promise of greater access to funding and support.

In the wake of last Summer’s Olympic Games in Paris, three Jamaican medallists — discus throw gold medallist Roje Stona, long jump silver medal winner Wayne Long, and shot put bronze medallist Rajindra Campbell — as well as prodigious triple jumper Jaydon Hibbert were all successfully recruited by Turkiye.

Away from the politics, Bolt has offered his support for World Athletics’ new series, the Ultimate Championship in Budapest next year and was named as the Ultimate Legend for the event, which will basically pit the champions in each discipline for the major competitions — Olympics, World Championships, and Diamond League — against each other in one final showdown.

“I’m always happy and willing to do my best to highlight the progress of athletics and bring awareness to fans. I’m sure the athletes and fans will enjoy the shorter version of constant high level competition,” Bolt told the Observer.

Meanwhile, the icon, who is also in Tokyo to support long-time sponsors Puma as well as promote the Ultimate Championship, says he is looking forward to enjoying the show from the stands — for a change.

Free of the burdens of shouldering a nation’s expectations, Bolt, while not pointing to any specific expectations on the Jamaican athletes, says he is simply wishing the team a positive and successful championship.

“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 get under way on Saturday (Friday night Jamaica time) at the Japan National Stadium.

A banner welcoming Team Jamaica to its training camp in Tottori, Japan, ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

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BOLT…everybody knows I rep Jamaica through and through and at no point in my career I even thought about running for any other country