Bolt apologises over 'joint' comments

Jamaican Olympic sprint hero Usain Bolt apologized over his comments on youthful marijuana use as reported in a German newspaper.

"I want to apologise to the Jamaican people if at any time it may have come across that all young people 'roll a joint'," Bolt said in a statement.

"I would also like to urge the upcoming stars to stay away from any kind of drugs, as it is not of any value to them or the sport you participate in."

Bolt, who stormed to three sprint golds in world record times at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was quoted by Bild as saying "When you're a child in Jamaica, you learn how to roll a joint."

The statement noted that Bolt, "although although admitting to 'trying' marijuana as a child, has never used it as a competitor."

The Bild story sparked a storm of criticism in Jamaica, and Bolt called the situation "unfortunate."