Back Off Usain Bolt
The only thing worse than athletes who don’t value their blessings of fortune and fame are broadcasters who wish they were in the same position to be hated. And such is the case with Bob Costas and former Olympic sprinter Ato Boldon, who criticized Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt for celebrating during his record-shattering 100-meter dash gold medal victory.
Bob Costas, while being one of the best sportscasters in television history, has been on a criticizing kick as of late. Not long ago, it was sports blogs. Now its Bolt, who next to Michael Phelps, will probably emerge as the larger-than-life Olympic story track and field has been famous for crafting through the years.
Costas’ commentary on Bolt’s celebration 85 meters into the race classified the moment as “disrespectful to the other competitors.” While it may not have made for the classiest of Olympic moments, it was no more contrived, or rude, or less picturesque than the American 4×100 relay celebration in their come-from-behind victory.
You can make the case that their celebration began once the race was completed. So did Bolt, about 50 meters in.
As for Bolden, who has done a golden job of commentary in Olympic sprinting analysis, he comes across as a player on both sides of the finish line. Immediately following Bolt’s victory, he marveled at the time left on the track that was occupied by celebratory measure. He, like the rest of the viewing world, gawked at the raw talent and exuberance of a sprinter who appeared to be as far ahead of his time as he was his competitors.
Combine this with the fact that Boldon has never done better than silver in an Olympic competition, and you have a strong case for sour grapes spoiling a truly sweet moment.
Costas and Boldon have worlds of talent in the broadcasting, but making a world-class moment a personal soapbox is universally small.
Small minds, cry babies, poor losers - all terms to describe the talking heads
Heyngel
19 Aug 08 at 3:24 pm
I couldn’t disagree more. Why an athlete in THE premiere event at the Olympics would not try his best is beyond me, especially with a gold medal and a new wr on the line. Really, there isn’t a single reason to stop running in a 100m sprint final, so why did Bolt do it if not to show off?
I have never run competitive track and field, and thus haven’t suffered the indignity of earning a lowly silver medal for my country, but I can’t believe that Bolden was letting his horrific personal failings as a sprinter ruin a wonderful and remarkable moment; Bolt did that when he showboated in the middle of his race. Believe it or not, winning is not the end-all and be-all of the Olympics - giving your all in competition against the best in the world to bringing people together from across the globe is what these games are all about.
Bolden said during his commentary exactly what I, and I’m sure tens of millions of people around the world all asked themselves - he wondered aloud what the clock would have read if Bolt had tried his best. And that last sentence is the moral of the story - Bolt should have given his best and didn’t.
And for those out there who believe the Olympics are only about wining and losing, I feel sorry for you. Simply put, we play sports for the Love of The Game, and it’s this Love that pushes us to succeed and triumph when faced with adversity. People have known and understood this for centuries, so much so that this mentality has found its way into the Olympic Creed….
“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”
So while Usain Bolt may have conquered, he did not fight well.
Jeff
21 Aug 08 at 3:14 pm
Bolt gave enough of his best to shatter a world record. He should not be chided for a euphoric reaction to a euphoric moment.
He refused to talk about the record in the post-race interview. Does that not show his true intentions as a sportsman?
Bolt did fight well. Better than anyone else ever has according to the stopwatches. It’s a shame people are inclined to pick apart the spontaneity of such a historic moment.
JC
21 Aug 08 at 3:24 pm
Jeff puhlease. The young boy already owns the 100m WR. He did not go out to take it lower, he went out to win and when he realized it was his for the taking he was elated and expressed his elation in typical flamboyant Jamaican style. The problem is people have traditionally been straining at the line as a group to win this race. Our boy left the field and likely himself astonished. Oh the rapture. I can and do watch this race over and over again in glee.
In the 200m his pet event he wanted that record and hey he took it. From my perspective he is a helluva conqueror and his rivals felt it, admitted it, enjoyed it and I suspect they want more, which Usain will give them in due course. Let the man enjoy his moment in the sun.
Peace.
Dee
21 Aug 08 at 5:01 pm