Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

Wellesley Bolt, father of the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, on his return from the Beijing Olympics was met at the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, St James, yesterday morning by Digicel's Joy Clark and Jamaica Tourist Board officials. - Photo by Janet Silvera

WESTERN BUREAU:

Usain Bolt's new celebrity status has rubbed off on his father, Wellesley, who was mobbed by enthusiastic fans at the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, last Friday.

The senior Bolt, father of the world's fastest man and triple Olympic gold medallist, said he had to be rescued by Chinese police.

"The police had to come to get me," said Bolt, who was flown to the East Asian country courtesy of telecommunications firm, Digicel.

Bolt, who had to be coerced into going to China because of his fear of flying, said: "Everyone wanted my autograph, the autograph of the father of the world champion."

Laughing joyously as he exited the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, yesterday morning, Bolt reminisced on his experience at the 2008 Olympics.

So busy

And while he had to stave off fans, his son, who has become a sport icon, was hardly available to him.

"I only spoke with him (Usain) once because he was so busy and there were so many people around him."

Last Monday, the senior Bolt was surprised when Digicel offered him a trip to China, insisting that he had to join his son, who celebrated his 22nd birthday last Thursday.

Usain's mother, Jennifer Bolt, was already at the Olympics with the athlete's girlfriend, Mizicann Evans.

"I never imagined it would be so great. The atmosphere was nice and it was great going to all these places I would never have dreamt of," he said.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com