Bolt to carry Jamaica's flag

London - Defending double sprint champion Usain Bolt will be Jamaica's flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the London Olympics, an official said on Thursday.

"I am delighted to announce Mr Usain Bolt as our flag bearer," said Mike Fennell, president of the Jamaica Olympic Association.

The 25-year-old Bolt, one of global sport's most marketable personalities, transformed the world of athletics when he scorched to victory in both sprint events at the Beijing Games in 2008 in then-world record times.

Bolt bettered his Olympic form at the 2009 Berlin worlds, setting current world records in the 100 and 200m of 9.58 and 19.19sec.

He defended his world 200m title in Daegu last year but a false start in the final saw compatriot Yohan Blake claim victory in the 100m.