Britain’s sports minister offers tax help to Usain Bolt
Published:Tuesday | July 13, 2010 | 2:28 PM
Britain's sports minister has offered to help double world record holder Usain Bolt sort out the tax issues stopping the Jamaican sprinter from competing in London in August.
The 23-year-old Triple Olympic champion was due to run at the Diamond League meeting at Crystal Palace, but he pulled out yesterday, citing Britain's prohibitive tax laws.
Sports Minister Hugh Robertson said if there is a particular problem with Bolt he will be happy to help with the issue.
Minister Robertson further said it is a problem his government has come across and addressed with other sports.
Robertson, however, added that any change might come too late to see the 100 and 200-metre world record holder take on rivals Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay at the south London venue.
However he said he will see what can be done.
Athletes competing in the UK are liable for a 50 per cent tax rate on their appearance fee as well as a proportion of their total worldwide earnings, which for Bolt, who earns millions from endorsements, could be hugely costly.