World 100 and 200 metres record holder, Usain Bolt, has strongly recommended the Papine-based High Performance Centre (HPC) for those eyeing a career in track and field. The recommendation was given while Bolt was on a tour of the French West Indies islands, Martinique and Guadeloupe, at the weekend.

Bolt spent some of his time with top athletes from both islands where he engaged them in discussion about training and the potential for becoming stars. He pointed out that "the High Performance Centre located in Jamaica is one good place for you to hone your skills and get a good start to a professional career."

Bolt and his teammate Jermaine Gonzales spent a few months at the HPC, located at the University of Technology, St Andrew. The HPC is an IAAF initiative to raise the standard of athletes. The centre focuses on sprints and hurdles.

Bolt, who became a professional shortly after leaving high school, secured his place in the spotlight when he copped the gold medal in the 200 metres at the World Junior Track and Field Championships in Jamaica in 2002.

"The transition is not always easy," he warned. "Dedication and hard work are two things which should always be a focus to get results."

One of the most common questions asked of Bolt was about him competing in the 400 metres in future. His response: "After the 2012 Olympics, anything is possible."

Bolt and communication company Digicel have been in partnership since 2004 and he was on tour courtesy of the mobile company.