KHALID A-H ANSARI IN BEIJING

Beneath Usain Bolt's frivolous exterior breathes a heart of gold.

The Beijing Olympics sprint sensation donated $50,000 to children in earthquake-stricken Sichuan province and wished people there to "get through the tragedy" and move forward with the inspiration of the Olympic Games.

"We came here and tried to perform well. I hope people enjoy the games and forget the past and move on. You have to move forward after a disaster. And also, the Olympics asks the people to move forward."

Nearly 70,000 people were killed, 18,000 were missing and at least 10 million people lost their homes in the magnitude–8 earthquake that struck the province and its neighbouring areas on May 12.

Bolt said he had seen reports of the earthquake on TV.

"I feel sorry for the victims, so I asked my management team to do something," Bolt told Xinhua news agency.

Accepting paintings by two girls now confined to wheelchairs because of the earthquake, Bolt said: "They are kids. They deserve a better future. I hope they can still enjoy themselves because they are still kids. I just want to help them. I'm looking forward to more people coming out and helping them. I have kept the painting and will definitely take it home."

Saying that he was touched by the affection by the people of China, he added he was moved to tears on the night he won the 200m race, when more than 90,000 people at the Bird's Nest sang "happy birthday" for him.

Bolt has defended his extravagant celebration after winning the 100m gold, which invited criticism from IOC president Jacques Rogge as being contrary to the spirit of the Olympics.

"I talked with those guys (the other competitors) and most of them are OK with it," Bolt said. "I am just enjoying myself and people are here to see your personality. I am just showing my personality. That's just me."

The triple gold medallist said his personality is a major part of his appeal and insisted he would do it again.

Won't change

Too strong: Jamaica's Usain Bolt shows his gold medal after winning 200m final. Pic/AFP

"I won't change and I think people really enjoy watching my performance. So I will stay what I am because that's my personality."

Bolt also said he had no regrets over his slowing-down which possibly prevented him from recording a better time, perhaps even break the 9.50 sec. barrier, considered the last human frontier.

"I came here just to win," he said. "I don't regret it. I don't really think about it that much and I am just trying to put in a good performance."

Bolt added: "The 200m means a lot more to me. 200m is the love of my life. I think the world record of 200m is much harder to get. The track in Beijing is fast and that will be in my mind. I think the 100m mark will be broken over and over again, but the 200m will be hard to get."

He also revealed he will try the 400 metre, as suggested by the legendary Michael Johnson.

Dismissing comparisons with Michael Phelps, eight gold medal winner at Beijing, Bolt said: "I don't compare myself to Michael Phelps. I run, he swims. I will leave people to decide who is the better one of the whole Olympics.

"I am not a phenomenon but probably a great athlete.

"I will still be young and I will work hard to stay on top as long as possible," he said.

(With inputs from China Daily and agency reports)