THE taxman has boosted the chances of Scottish sports fans seeing Usain Bolt run a dream Hampden double this summer.
The Government has announced international athletes taking part in the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix in July will be exempt from income tax. Track stars such as world record holder Bolt had already been offered the concession by HMRC for the Commonwealth Games in a bid to attract the very best to Scotland.
Now the Jamaican sprint legend could be set to race here twice within a month as the country gears up for a sports and athletics extravaganza.
Bolt’s countrywoman, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, two-time Olympic 100m champion, confirmed yesterday in Kingston she will compete at the Commonwealth Games.
She also won gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at the world championships in Moscow last year but is undecided about which events to run at Hampden.
Top athletes, including tennis stars and golfers, have been reluctant to compete in the UK in the past because they were taxed on a portion of their worldwide endorsements.
Bolt has already confirmed an appearance at the Diamond League meeting in Paris on July 5, a week before the event at the National Stadium in Glasgow.
His representatives were keeping mum last night, refusing to confirm any commitment to the Glasgow events.
Bolt’s coach, Glen Mills, said last weekend the sprinter would not decide on the Commonwealth Games until after the Jamaican Championships from June 19 to 22.
Agent Ricky Simms told Record Sport: “If there are any announcements to be made, it will be via Usain’s official website. We’re working on contracts now. Not Commonwealth Games specifically but his schedule in general.”
Bolt said in 2012: “As soon as the law changes I’ll be here all the time. I love being here. I have so many Jamaican fans here and it’s wonderful.”
Chancellor George Osborne said: “The tax exemption will ensure Scotland continues to attract the highest standard of athletes.”