by Our Sports Desk

Jamaican sprint superstar Usain Bolt was at the centre of a Commonwealth Games storm yesterday but insisted he had made no criticism of Glasgow 2014.

The fastest man in history was reported in the Times to have labelled the Games “a bit shit,” when speaking on Tuesday and to have said he was “not really” having fun in Scotland.

“The Olympics were better,” Bolt is quoted as saying.

Yet the six-time Olympic champion responded to the report on his Twitter feed by saying: “I’m waking up to this nonsense..journalist please don’t create lies to make headlines.”

Bolt’s manager Ricky Simms said the remarks attributed to the athlete were “utter rubbish.”

Simms added: “The atmosphere in and around the stadiums has been absolutely fantastic and I have absolutely no idea where these quotes have come from.” 

Mike Hooper, chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said he would take Bolt “at his word” following his denial.

Speaking at the daily media briefing, Hooper stressed the Commonwealth Games had its own identity and aims, different from the Olympic Games, and said he was “proud” of its status in the sporting world.

Hooper said: “We take Mr Bolt at his word.

“We’re very pleased with how he’s responded and that’s our position.”

Referring to Bolt’s weekend press conference, Hooper said: “He’s very upbeat, very positive, very focused on delivering for his fellow countrymen in the relay events.

“He has said what he’s said and I don’t wish to comment on the journalistic work of the Times.”

Shona Robison, Scottish government cabinet secretary for Commonwealth Games and sport, welcomed Bolt’s clarification and expressed her delight at the success of Glasgow 2014.

Robison said: “Usain Bolt has described the comments in the media today as nonsense and dismissed them outright. 

Glasgow is fantastic and the Games have been amazing on so many fronts, so well organised and a great experience for everyone involved.”