SHAYNE FAIRMAN, STAR Writer

Ricky Simms, the agent who helped shape the meteoric rise of track and field’s leading superstar , Usain Bolt, remains confident the Jamaican will continue to hold a one-ofa- kind status and appeal globally, despite midseason fitness concerns.

Simms has also encouraged other local athletes to “work extremely hard, think global and surround themselves with the right network” which will ultimately improve their net worth.

Simms co-heads PACE Sports Management, one of the world’s top athlete management and sports marketing companies, along with Marion Steininger.

“My advice to the next generation of sports stars is to work extremely hard to be the best you can be, there is no substitute for success on the track or on the field,” Simms told STAR Sports in an interview.

“There are no shortcuts,” he stressed. “It is also important to conduct yourself in the right way, think with a global perspective and surround yourself with the right people.”

Simms has been listed in Sports Business International’s Top 20 most influential sports agents in the world

While the agent said he could speak to Bolt’s commercial value, or tourism dollar-earning power, he noted that the six-time Olympic gold medalist is a global flag-bearer.

“He has been one of the world’s most marketable sports stars for the past six years since he won his first three Olympic Games gold medals in Beijing in 2008.”

Simms remains proud of his charge’s feat, having remained in the top 10 every year since his Beijing exploits.

“Usain has a number of long-term partners, and the fact that they continue to renew his contracts shows that he is a very good ambassador for them,” Simms underscored.

“He is very proud of his country and promotes Jamaica everywhere he goes,” added Simms of the 28-year-old.