-New meets offer alternatives to Europe in Games run-up

Usain Bolt of Jamaica throws the baton as he celebrates after winning the men's 4 x 100 metres relay final during the 15th IAAF World Championships at the National Stadium in Beijing, China, August 29, 2015. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

(Reuters) - New opportunities are popping up for North American Olympic standouts and hopefuls to compete closer to home in the build-up to August's Rio Games.

Four new U.S. and Caribbean meetings have joined the North America schedule, providing alternatives to travelling to Europe for competitions and offering athletes a chance to be fresher for the Olympics.