RIO DE JANEIRO - Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt has left open the possibility of continuing his career beyond the Rio 2106 Olympic Games.

The six-time Olympic gold medallist earlier this month said the 2016 Games would likely be his last competitive appearance.

But the 27-year-old said Thursday he could be convinced to race until 2017 at the age of 31.

"I am definitely reconsidering (retiring after 2016), I think my fans have voiced their concern about me retiring," Bolt said.

"They think I should carry on and so do my sponsors. I have discussed it with my coach and he says it is possible. We will see what happens but it's on the cards that I will extend it by one more year."

Bolt won the 100m, 200m and 4x100m gold at Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Games.