Usain Bolt was given a hero's welcome as he arrived in Jamaica on Monday following his exploits at the Beijing Olympics in China.  

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Sports Minister Olivia Grange, Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association president Howard Aries, Jamaica Olympic Association chief Mike Fennell and other dignitaries were on hand to greet the double world record holder as he stepped from Virgin Atlantic flight, VS069.

Hundreds of fans were also present to see the history maker who became the first man to break the world record for both the 100m and 200m at the same Olympics.  

Bolt seemed overwhelmed by the support received and said he didn't expect that many people to be present.

"I am happy to be back home. I expected some amount of support but I never knew that so many people would be here to meet me," Bolt said before his motorcade departed the airport.

He left the airport in style, being chauffeured in a brand new red BMW convertible all the way to the Pegasus hotel in New Kingston where the official press conference was held.

"We're planning some great things for Usain and the other members of the Jamaican team who made us so proud at the Beijing Olympics," Prime Minister Golding said.

Golding also implored Bolt to be an example for the youth of Jamaica as many look up to him as a role model.

"Many have had dreams but, for whatever reason, haven't been able to achieve them," Golding said.  "In everything you do, try to motivate the youth," Golding added.  

When it was Bolt's time to speak, he seemed at a loss for words.  He proceeded to thank the fans and his support team and had some words of wisdom for the criminals who are running rampant on Kingston's streets.

"This didn't happen overnight," Bolt said.  "It took me five years to get here.  There's no need to go the route of crime and violence.  Work hard and you can get to the top," he added.

Before the conference ended, Minister Grange used the opportunity to ask Bolt for one favour.  She said that she wanted Bolt's golden spikes for the planned Jamaican sports museum.  

Bolt didn't respond.  It's likely that he will want to hold on to those for a bit longer.