( CNN ) Usain Bolt will retire from athletics after the 2017 World Championships in London , he confirmed in an interview to a British tabloid published Saturday . The Jamaican sprint star -- who has won six Olympic gold medals and is the reigning world record holder over the 100 meter and 200 meter disciplines -- had previously intimated he would quit the sport after the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro . However , Bolt now says he will stay on for one more year but will only compete in the 100m event in London . `` That was the initial plan ( to retire in 2016 ) , '' he told the Daily Mail . `` But my sponsor has asked me to go on for another year , to 2017 and London . `` I 'll be doing one event , the 100 ( m ) . I 've already discussed it with my coach . I can concentrate on that , and on retiring on a winning note . '' The 28-year-old had a quiet 2014 , competing in only three races . But he still took gold in the Commonwealth Games 100m relay in Glasgow , his first Commonwealth medal . He confirmed his main focus for 2015 will be the World Championships in Beijing in August where he hopes to add to his collection of eight world titles . Bolt also indicated he will be looking to beat his own 100m world record of 9.58 seconds that he recorded at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin . `` If everything goes well this season ... in my life anything is possible , '' he said `` If I can get myself in good shape , it should be wonderful this season . `` I live for competition . I thrive on competition . I live to compete against the best . It means a lot when you beat the best . `` I remember when I won in Beijing ( at the 2008 Olympics ) , people were saying how Tyson ( Gay ) was n't there . So for me the World Championship the following year , when everyone was there , that was good . ''
Usain Bolt tells UK tabloid he will retire in 2017 . The Jamaican sprinter has been plagued by injuries since his breakthrough at the London Olympics last year. Bolt previously indicated he would retire after 2016 Olympic Games .