As he prepares for what is expected to be another career-defining year in his already illustrious athletic career, the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, recently took time out to participate in the filming of a commercial for a new Gatorade campaign to be launched this summer. The commercial was filmed right here in Jamaica.

This campaign will roll out less than a year after Gatorade successfully launched the Bolt-inspired Lemon Ice flavour in Australia. It will feature a stylish new Gatorade package and more competitive pricing for consumers.

Shot at the University of the West Indies/Usain Bolt track where Bolt has been preparing for this championship season, the commercial did not impact too much on the champion sprinter's training schedule. He also explained that it was very important that he shot the commercial there. "Any opportunity to showcase Jamaica in a positive way is important to Brand Usain and Brand Jamaica," Bolt said.

very animated

The triple Olympic and World Champion was very animated while speaking about the shoot and the upcoming campaign which he believes further cements his relationship with Gatorade. "Jamaica is an important location to any brand, and it is my home, so I am always excited about Jamaica," Bolt said. "I do realise that Gatorade was a company committed to maintaining relationships with the best sport has to offer, and I thought I represented an aspect of that. Gatorade is an A-class organisation and I am pleased. I look forward to strengthening that relationship."

The campaign will feature Bolt drinking from the new Gatorade bottle and, according to the world record holder, he is already in love with the new design. "It's cool, and easy to handle," he said.

Word is that behind-the-scenes footage from the video shoot will be made into a viral video that can be viewed on facebook.com/ pepsijamaica, as well as other popular sites, to prepare the public for the upcoming campaign that should be ready for launch about June or July this year.

Bolt has been using Gatorade since 2008 and continues to because he said it has become an essential part of his daily training regimen. "Gatorade represents rehydration, which is key to training, especially in Jamaica's warm climate," he said.

- L.L