World`s fastest man enjoys huge popularity in Daegu

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, dubbed “the fastest man on earth,” is also the busiest man in Daegu, the host city of the 2011 IAAF World Championships in Athletics.

Buses with ads containing Bolt`s picture are running in downtown Daegu and pictures of the sprinter are also hung in public places. Various organizations in Daegu are also racing to invite Bolt.

Despite bad weather, more than 1,000 people thronged to the promotional event “Fuma FAAS TEST,” where Bolt joined on Saturday.

Arriving in Daegu on Tuesday, Bolt had shown a stiff look apparently due to the fatigue of his journey and the burden of the competition, but he gave a bright smile at the event.

Also attending the event was Korean Olympic soccer team coach Hong Myung-bo. Bolt beamed after Hong appeared holding a cake in his hands to celebrate the sprinter’s 25th birthday. Though rain poured down during the event, nobody left the venue.

Invited to more events, Bolt is enjoying rock-star status in Daegu.

Bolt will stop appearing in events on Wednesday, when he enters the athletes’ village, to stay in good shape for the championships.

On rumors of him shunning the media after arriving in Daegu, Bolt said, “My coach wants me to concentrate on preparation for the competition instead of giving interviews. Probably, I can talk very much after the championships.”

On setting new records, he said, “First and foremost, the main goal is defending my title.”

creating@donga.com