You are here: Home > Opinion > Khalid-O-scope > Usain Bolt is no showboater, says Rogge


Usain Bolt is no showboater, says Rogge
By: Khalid A-H Ansari

BEIJING: 

Usain Bolt
IOC president Jacques Rogge has denied saying that Usain Bolt, winner of the 100 and 200 metres sprints, was "showboating" with "catch me if you can" gestures at the finish of his world record-breaking 100 race which were against the Olympic spirit.

But he insisted that athletes should show more respect to their fellow competitors.

Jamaican coach Don Quarrie, who was world 100 and 200-metre record holder in the 1970s, as Bolt currently is, has defended his compatriot, attributing his hijinks to "just youthful spirits".

"There was no showboating on his part," Quarrie said.

"Usain, being a young man, is still maturing. He was just enthusiastic, very happy. There was never any animosity. It came from within. What he does - there is nothing negative for the sport. He was just so overwhelmed at what was going on.

"He is funny, playful, happy and that is what came out after he ran."

Bolt added another gold when the Jamaican team that included Asafa Powell, Nesta Carter and Michael Frater  claimed the 4x100 relay gold with a world record time of 37.10.

Quarrie also said that it may take the Caribbean island another 20 years to produce an athlete like Bolt "but we will".

He added: "The seed has been sown now. I am sure there are kids running around in Jamaica wanting to be Usain Bolt."

Athletics legend Michael Johnson, whose 12-year 200m record was broken by the new Olympic double sprint champion, said the phenomenon could break his 400m record, as well.

Johnson, who won the coveted 200m and 400m double at the Atlanta '96 Games said: "It's incredible. It leaves you speechless but yes, I did think he would break my record.

"He needs to set himself some other goals. He could be world record beater in 100, 200 and 400."

Describing Bolt as Superman 2, Johnson said: "Every now and then along comes an athlete for the times, and I believe Usain Bolt is that athlete. He doesn't just want to win races and medals, he wants to test the limits of human ability."

Johnson said the 100m run was the most impressive athletic event "I've ever seen in my life. He has incredible leg speed and a long stride. That combination is deadly. But the 200 metres has another element which is speed endurance.

"He finished up in an incredible time. This was an incredible performance, He wanted that record.

"He got an incredible start. I looked at his start and just went 'wow'. It was more amazing than the 100m. Guys that tall should not be able to start like that."

Johnson, who is here as a commentator, said: "This time he ran the complete race (in the 200). He got a great start and he made gains from the very beginning. His drive phase was incredible. He made up the stagger very quickly and his transition from the bend on to the straight was excellent."

--------------------
Former Brazilian soccer great Edison Arantes do Nascimento Pele has arrived in Beijing to promote Rio de Janeiro's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. He attended a news conference here yesterday.

(With inputs from agency reports)









© 2008 MiD-Day Infomedia Ltd. All rights reserved.