Bolt Returns to Europe at Rome Diamond League Meeting on Thursday.

Usain Bolt.
Usain Bolt.

Usain Bolt will compete in Europe for the first time in the 2013 athletic season on Thursday at the Rome Diamond League.

The six-time Olympic champion, who has just returned from a hamstring injury will line up for the men’s 100m against Olympic Bronze medalist Justin Gatlin.

Bolt's Diamond League Press Conference.
Bolt’s Diamond League Press Conference.

Bolt has only run just one 100 meter so far this year, in May, in which he won in a photo finish. The Jamaican, at a press conference held earlier on Tuesday said he was disappointed with his time of 10.09secs.

“I did have a bad performance but we went back to the drawing board and worked out everything.

“We figured out what went wrong. I’m confident now.

“It’s a long season. Last season started badly also, so I’m just going to keep working.”

Bolt has won both previous meetings at Rome’s majestic Stadio Olimpico and Thursday race will be his third consecutive year in Rome.

American Micheal Rodgers, who along with compatriot Gatlin has run under 10secs this year are among the 100m field in Rome. Also is former world champion Kim Collins.