The world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, could be coming to Birmingham for the 2012 Olympics if talks in Berlin go as planned.
City council leader Mike Whitby last night met the runner in Berlin ahead of the World Athletics Championships to promote Birmingham as a training base.
He has also been in talks with Jamaica’s Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia Grange, to try and lure the team to the West Midlands.
Coun Whitby said: “We had a very encouraging meeting with the minister and to meet Usain Bolt was the icing on the cake.
“It would be a tremendous boost for the city if we can play host to Usain and the rest of the Jamaican squad in 2012.
Today’s talks followed another boost when the recently-appointed USA Track and Field chief executive, Doug Logan, reiterated America’s intentions of basing the team in Birmingham ahead of the 2012 games.
Coun Whitby, added: “I’m in Berlin because the big decision-makers of world athletics are here and we have to show them that Birmingham means business for 2012.
“For Doug Logan to stress USA Track and Field’s commitment to basing themselves in Birmingham was a ringing endorsement and can only enhance our efforts to attract more countries.
“The Americans have clearly recognised that Birmingham is the place to be ahead of the British Olympics and that sends out a signal to a host of other interested countries.”
