amaican super-sprinter Usain Bolt says he loves the teams concept of the revolutionary Nitro Athletics series and is looking forward to also taking on coaching and captaincy duties.
The first edition of the series will take place in Melbourne on February 4, 9 and 11 next year, involving six Australian and international teams of 24 athletes, split equally between men and women.
Nine-time Olympic champion Bolt - who won a historic third 100m, 200m and 4x100m golden treble in Rio in August - is set to pick up $1 million as the face of the series.
The 30-year-old says he is open to the concept of tackling new disciplines, potentially including the long jump.
The meets will include non-traditional events such as middle-distance and hurdles relays in an attempt to broaden the sport's appeal.
"This will be track and field as it's never been seen before and that's why I'm involved, not only as a competitor, but also as a team captain," Bolt said at the official launch in Melbourne on Friday.
"Nitro Athletics is what track and field needs."
Athletics Australia board member and 2006 Commonwealth 400m champion John Steffensen played a key role in negotiations between AA and Bolt.
"Every show needs a headline act and the headline act of Nitro Athletics Melbourne is the biggest name in all of sport - Usain Bolt," said Steffensen.
"Nitro Athletics Melbourne will attract global attention in the 210-plus countries that participate in athletics and where Usain Bolt is a mega-star."
