Kingston: Six-times Olympic champion Usain Bolt said on Wednesday reports suggesting the 200 metres is among five athletics events at risk of being cut from the Olympic programme is “ridiculous” and must not happen.

Bolt was responding to an article from Australia’s Fairfax Media which said the event he has won at the last two Summer Olympics is one of five key disciplines at risk.

“Normally I’m not a controversial person, but I think that’s just stupid. Personally, track and field is the highlight of the Olympics every edition, that's not even a question,” the Jamaican sprinter said.

“So when you’re going to try to take events away from the track and field event, it is just ridiculous and I don’t think the IAAF should stand for that at all,” the 28-year-old 200-metre world record athlete said.