Archive for the ‘Bob Costas’ tag
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.
