Nine-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt said he lives to inspire and hopes to be remembered as "one of the greatest athletes in sport" when he retires from competition.
Making a brief appearance at the annual Oaks Club Luncheon at Crown on Wednesday, Bolt treated more than 1200 guests to a Q&A; with his friend and fellow runner John Steffensen.
![Usain Bolt and Michelle Payne meet at the Oaks Club Luncheon.](/web/20161105195041im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/g/6/b/g/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gsg6zg.png/1478062211391.jpg)
"I live to inspire," Bolt said after meeting champion jockey Michelle Payne, who has named the Jamaican sprinter as one of her idols.
He said after the forthcoming world championships he plans to retire from competition and focus on charity work and making an off-track contribution to athletics.
![The Bolt salute.](/web/20161105195041im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/g/6/b/f/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gsg6zg.png/1478054537509.jpg)
"My goal is to be remembered as one of the greatest athletes in any sport," he said.
Before leaving the stage he performed his signature "Bolt salute" to the delight of the crowd.
![Usain Bolt on stage with John Steffensen.](/web/20161105195041im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/g/7/3/k/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gsg6zg.png/1478054537509.jpg)
Bolt is in Melbourne on a holiday and will be a guest of Crown at Oaks Day on Thursday. There have been reports he's been paid upwards of $300,000 for his appearance.
He said he loved Melbourne because it was "laid back" and "so chilled, just like Jamaica".
![Two champions: Cup winning jockey Michell Payne and Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt.](/web/20161105195041im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/g/6/a/d/image.related.articleLeadNarrow.300x0.gsg6zg.png/1478054537509.jpg)
Other guests at the lunch included pentathlon gold medallist Chloe Esposito and racing identities.