Usain Bolt makes his trademark pose for fans at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday. - Rudolph Brown

Usain Bolt, Beijing's triple Olympic gold medallist, has warned main rivals Asafa Powell and American Tyson Gay that he is ready for another battle next season.

Bolt, who has only lost once to Powell over the 100m distance this season, ended as the top man in the event.

Apart from winning the Olympic title, Bolt broke the world record twice. He lowered his world-record mark of 9.72, achieved in May, by running 9.69 to take the Olympic gold.

"I told the two best guys, Asafa (Powell) and Tyson (Gay), that I am looking forward to them (next season)," Bolt said.

Promise

Bolt said he told them, "I know you guys are coming next season, but I will be ready."

Bolt, who also broke the 200m record by running 19.30 for his second Olympic title and helped Jamaica to the 4x100m title, also in a world record of 37.10, admitted: "It's hard to get to the top, but it's harder to stay on top.

"I know they are also looking forward to the competition," continued Bolt, who became the first man since Carl Lewis in 1984 to win the sprint double.

Bolt added: "If you see somebody beating you, you know the only way you can beat that person is to run faster. So, I know they are coming faster next year ... but a lot of people know that I have a lot more in me, so I am looking forward to it."