The World’s Fastest Man arrived in Monte Carlo on Tuesday ahead of his upcoming 100m outing at Friday’s Samsung Diamond League Herculis meeting, his first race over the short dash since 31 May in Ostrava where he clocked 9.91, and for his first-ever competitive appearance in Monaco.

After a few training sessions at the Stade Louis II, Bolt spent part of the afternoon with some members of the local club, AS Monaco, at La Rose des Vents by Larvotto Beach where, using the sunny surf and sand as an exquisite backdrop, he tutored about 20 aspiring athletes in sprint drills and starts. He was joined by IAAF President Lamine Diack, who was clearly enjoying the event as much as the young athletes whose form Bolt was analyzing and assessing.

To keep the crowd of fans manageable, organisers purposely didn’t advertise Bolt’s appearance too widely. But the Jamaican star always manages to draw a crowd, and when word spread across the beach, the initial crowd of several dozen quickly swelled to a few hundred.

After the initial training session, others later came from the beach to join, some engaging the World record holder in heated head-to-head duels. Among them was seven-and-a-half-year-old Zoe Varvet, who clearly wasn’t intimidated by Bolt’s credentials. After beating him from the blocks and eventually to the finish in a short dash, Varvet added insult to injury and gave the double Olympic champion her autograph. Acknowledging defeat, Bolt reciprocated and gave the young sprinter his cap. Her victory was enough for Varvet to consider a switch in sports.

“Maybe after this I can convince my parents will let me switch to athletics,” Varvet said.

A drawing was held too, to pick a local club member who’ll help Bolt with his gear before and after his 100m race on Friday. That lucky winner was Damien Lopopolo.

The event continued with a photo and autograph session, but no more racing.

“These kids are way too fast,” Bolt said. “This doesn’t look good for me.”

Bob Ramsak for the IAAF