Paul McCartney 'excited' for Olympics

Los Angeles - Sir Paul McCartney is excited about seeing Usain Bolt at the Olympics.

The Beatles legend is a huge fan of athletics and is hoping to see the Jamaican runner - the fastest man on earth - run in the men's 100 metres sprint final at London 2012.

He said: "I'm a big fan of athletics, when that's on the TV, I don't go out, so the Olympic Games are great for that for me. I love the sprints, obviously the 100 metres, and I've got to see Mr Bolt, he's just a bit phenomenal, I don't think anyone can beat him.

"I like the swimming finals. It's a great thing and a big year. It's easy to be cynical and you always get that, but I think now it's happening, people are getting fired up."

'One of the perks'

Paul is performing as part of the Olympics Opening Ceremony on Friday and rather than getting a fee he is getting tickets to his favourite events.

In an interview with BBC Radio 6 Music, he said: "That's one of the perks. They don't pay you to perform, but what does happen is you get tickets to events, so they asked me what I would ideally like to go to, and so I sent a little list."

While he will take part in the ceremony - directed by Slumdog Millionaire filmmaker Danny Boyle - Paul is remaining tight-lipped about what exactly he will play.

He added: "It's a secret; he won't let me tell you. Danny Boyle is directing it and he has a pretty good idea of what he wants to do, and to be honest I've pretty much listened to him. He knows what he's got and how the rest of the show goes."