100m final tickets to be sold in 2012

THOUSANDS of tickets for high-profile Olympic events have been stockpiled for sale next year.

About 8,000 tickets for the men's 100m final, expected to feature world record holder Usain Bolt, and a further 8,000 for the Olympics opening ceremony will be withheld from public sale until 2012.

Critics have claimed that latest announcement is part of a plan to make sure tickets for less high- profile events are sold first to avoid the embarrassment of empty seats.

Thousands of other tickets for "blue riband" events such as swimming, track cycling and the 200m finals will also be released in batches during public sales next year.

Sports fans can also expect the opportunity to buy a limited number of tickets which will be sold on the day of the event.