Usain Bolt: Olympic Stud of the Day

wowrider Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 08:46 AM EST

One person "Maurice Greene" has set the bar for preening and that I don't think Bolt surpassed during his victory celebrations. It is good to see how much attention he is getting from all these comments here, both negative and positive. This will ony give him more recoginition worldwide ala. Muhammad Ali. Bolt be true to yourself and don't let anyone rain on your parade.

BobbyMCgee Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 03:41 AM EST

I question Bolt being clean. The 2008 simpletons here have been desensitized by Phelps breaking world records left and right. Bolt is good but not that good. Track records are not broken that easily. It took them years to catch Marion and now the star child is bankrupt and in jail. Bolt should get out before he is caught and exposed for what he is. A cheater.

Milani Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 06:24 PM EST

AND SO WHAT IF HE DIDN'T FINISH THE RACE. IT'S HIS PREROGATIVE. YOU CAN'T INSIST YOUR IDEALS TO SOMEONE ELSE BECAUSE THAT IS DICTATORSHIP WHICH IS WORST THAN WHAT YOU ARE ACCUSING BOLT OF. LET BOLT BE HIMSELF. HE COMMITTED NO CRIME. AND PLS SAVE THE WORLD FROM BORING PEOPLE COZ A HAPPY WORLS IS WHAT WE NEED---NOT A BORING WORLD OF HYPOCRITICAL CLASS AND GRACE.

Milani Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 06:17 PM EST

AND SINCE WHEN DID ATHLETICS BECOME A COMPETITION OF MANNERS? IF IT SO, THEN WE SHOULD HAVE LET POPE JOHN PAUL AND MOTHER THERESA RUN THE RACE. TO HELL WITH MANNERS.....MANNERS IS BORING AND TOO HYPOCRITICAL IN A SENSE. FAST IS FAST. IT'S ALL ABOUT TIME, TIME, TIME....MANNERS BELONG TO THOSE INTOLERANT CHURCHES OF OF PURITY AND HOLINESS.IT'S NOT LIKE BOLT KILLED SOMEBODY OR SPIT ON SOMEONE'S FACE. HOW INTOLERANT THESE PURITANS CAN BE.

Milani Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 06:11 PM EST

I WILL WRITE IN CAPS AND NOBODY'S GONNA TELL ME IT IS RUDE BECAUSE THIS IS MY WAY, SAVE YOUR DOGMA FOR YOUSELF COZ I HAVE MINE. BOLT IS NOT DISRESPECTFUL AT ALL. IF HE IS IN THE EYES OF THIS 15TH CENTURY BLOODY PURITANS, SO WHAT NOW? HE'S GOT SPUNK, ATTITUDE....NOBODY WANTS A BORING CELEBRITY. A BORING CELEBRITY BELONGS TO THE FORGOTTEN ERA. EACH PERSON HAS HIS OWN STYLE AND PEOPLE SHOULD BE TOLERANT OF SUCH STYLE AND NEVER INSIST IN TO OTHERS ESP IF SUCH ACTION IS "SUBJECTIVE".

AND DID GOD TELL YOU THAT WRITING IN CAPS IS RUDE? I THINK IT IS "CLASSY"...BUT THEN THAT'S JUST MY OPINION.

Matt Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 04:31 AM EST

You guys, you really are funny, how can anyone feel embarrassed or ashamed of what Usain Bolt did? He is a great sportsman, and to anyone that says he doesn't have class, you obviously don't know it when you see it, he has it all, hes got the good old cockiness that the world needs, he has respect and of course, he also has speed, so cut everyone some slack, watch the replay, and feel PROUD for him, he did a great job, if you have a problem with that, please, for the sake of all that is vaguely good and normal, keep your mouth shut...

USAIN BOLT, YOU ARE A LEGEND!

Oh, and by the way, I'm british...

God save the queen, and may God also save all you poor poor people that think he was rubbish, from a sad demise...

*ahem* :D

Ron Mexico Mon, Aug 25, 2008 at 09:36 AM EST

And you know he didn't use steroids how exactly? According to the IOC, the Chinese didn't use 8 year old gymnasts either. You know what you are told.

I bet he used tons of mary jane, though. Yeah, mon!

JennyMarie Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 06:55 PM EST

Hey I'm American and I say GO USAIN! I was pissed when the media began questioning his behavior. No one said anything when Misty May Treanor danced and celebrated after winning gold in beach vollyball. As Africans we are spirited. We dance, we sing in celebration. It's cultural, and if it were me I would have danced too. Usain Bolt is an entertaining chracter who is confident in his skills and wonderful to watch. Step off haters everyone has ad different way of celebrating and just because a person does not act in the way that you would like them to act does not make them a bad sport. Big Up USAIN Big up!

JAMAICAN GIRL Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 05:40 PM EST

GO BOLT GO GO BOLT GO
TO ALL YOU HATERS PISS OFF
GO JAMAICA GO GO JAMAICA GO
HE CAN SHOW OFF ALL HE WANTS AFTER ALL HE DIDN'T USE STEROIDS GO BOLT GO

Rene Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 10:18 PM EST

I gave up cheering for track and field after watching the obnoxious behavior of my fellow Americans on previous Olympics. Needless to say, I'm not impressed with most male or female sprinters because they lack class, humility and sportsmanship. It really is a shame. I'm offended by Bolt's behavior, but he was the first. We Americans condoned it when our own athletes behaved in this fashion. I'd rather watch swimming and gymnastics!

Ron Mexico Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 02:53 PM EST

Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, its bobsled time!

That is what Jamaican olympians will ALWAYS be known for - no matter how many splif-burning, steel drumming-playing, dreadlock wearing, Bob Marley-listening slackers they strap running shoes on.

Got that, mon?

Fletch Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 09:26 AM EST

I'm sorry, how is Gayle a racist for something that her grandfather said? That was pretty unfair, but not unexpected from the America-haters.

Look, I have been playing/watching sports for years. When I was a kid, we were taught to respect the referees, and to show grace in defeat/humility in victory.

As time went on, I saw Roberto Alomar spit in an umpire's face, I saw thousands of classless end-zone celebrations, I saw Shaq rapping vulgarities after Kobe lost the NBA finals.

This is totally counter to that upbringing I received. What ever happened to simply handing the referee the ball after scoring a touchdown?

Nothing speaks volumes about where our society has gone (even in America) than how a person behaves during sports. The bottom line is that Usain embodies today's culture of unsportsmanship. You all bashing each other will not change that. Peace.

AnXism Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 09:22 AM EST

Funny enough, when your steroid pumping, American runners showed no tact in any event they won, there was no banter about their classlessness. However, when your athletes can only come a distant second nowhere to be caught in the cameraman's frame you behave sour.

You try to be 21 and realise a dream like that and you tell me how you'd behave. He got gold, in a world record time, slowing down with no one near him. How about them apples?

THE_TRUTH Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 10:50 PM EST

Gayle, you should be MUCH MORE embarassed about your filthy racist grandfather than about Usain Bolt. You are a racist. Yuck.

Gayle Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 10:37 PM EST

He surely is the fastest man alive--no one can touch him, but I just couldn't bear to watch his classless behavior after winning. There was no grace, or sportsmanship in his attitude. It was embarrassing to watch. My 84 year old grandfather from south Georgia used that terrible n-word to describe him. Such a shame because Usain could be great in every way if he'd show some class.

Paul Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 09:43 PM EST

Some day Usain might mature and transcend his childish, classless behavior. I'm embarrassed for Jamaica.

Ruthie Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 09:23 PM EST

I agree Ashely! 100%!! He will be remembered!! Speaking of which he will definitely be remembered because he just recently beat Micheal Johnson's record! And good for him!!

Candice Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 09:21 PM EST

What alot of track experts exist in this wide, wide world! And what alot of self-created psychologists exist, who seem to believe they can determine the character of a man by observing his reaction to victory in a race! A man you all have never met, by the way!
But it is human nature, I suppose. People on the outside always seem to have so much to say, possess so much knowledge, and feel within their right to criticize and judge, which was never your God-given right.
When since did your ideals stand as the ideals of every other human being?
Usain Bolt is great at what he does. Michael Phelps is great at what he does. That should be enough for the rest of us who are simply sitting on the outside looking in. When will we as humans EVER learn to be happy for the success of others? Probably never. But let's hope YOU are perfect - whatever that looks and ACTS like.

Ashley Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 09:18 PM EST

I really dont see how he was showing any sort of disrespect for anyone on the track and for his country(Its great to be proud! Obviously he has much respect for the olympics and his home country.). Honestly if it were me Id do the same thing. Anyone deserves the right to celebrate in any way they wish(but as long as its not really really inappropiate..but he wasnt at all.). Hes young, he was happy, and he shouldnt feel ashamed for what he displayed to the world. This isnt something like that Super Bowl Janet Jackson accident. This is the olympics! Embrace your excitement and thrill over your win! There arent too many chances that anyone would get to celebrate a gold. There isnt a rule anywhere saying that "Wait until after the race is over to celebrate." Its much much better to be yourself then to act like how someone would want you to be when celebrating.

Lianne Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 08:56 PM EST

Usain is raw talent. BIG UP TO JAMAICA!!! we have been trying to make a splash as big as this since the 50's and we finally have, i can definitely say im proud to be jamaican!!!

Orville Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 07:46 PM EST

So Mr. Bolt has done it again, MORE GOLD I guess a lot of jealous American haters won't be sleeping for many nights

charlene Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 06:03 PM EST

"TO ALL YOU HATERS: Isnt it a shame, now that the playing field is level you all have something to say.when your Athletes were being doped up and winning you were all so happy now that they arent and we are beating them fair aand square (uno have chat). He is the hit of the olympics - Geoff , go Goof Off. Your comments are bias. I agree with you Dian "BLACK, GREEN AND GOLD 4-EVER: i am proud to be a JAMAICAN.

denise Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 05:02 PM EST

Undoubtedly, Usain Bolt is the best. No one can dispute that. He is the Olympic champion and, of course, that is a awesome fete to celebrate. However, Usain took his celebration to a level that goes beyond pure joy and happiness to one that suggests arrogance and immaturity. It is always refreshing to me to see athletes, who in spite of their success, have remained humble. Usain Bolt is phenomenal. I just hope he does not allow his ego tarnish his image.

Fletch Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 04:35 PM EST

I bet Deion Sanders could outrun that dope-smoking, Peter Tosh-listening, Cool Runnings-watching, fifteen (low paying) job-having, tourist-in-a-pot-boiling disgrace to Jamrock!

Jah be praised!!!

jonathan Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 03:18 PM EST

usain sells himself thats all he's a personality and im sure weve seen cockier athletes primarily USA athletes, ie. maurice green, gatlin and the guy is young just 22 let him be youthful and a little immature he is the fastest man Alive

Fletch Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 01:25 PM EST

Granted, that last post isn't really the way I feel. I was just stirring the pot for those posters that will hate America no matter what.

I have been a HUGE fan of humble athletes that act with class and poise in victory and defeat. Usain failed to act that way. To me, he is disregarded.

Fletch Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 01:19 PM EST

So does that mean that Usain will be recruited for Jamaica's 2010 bobsled team?

Yeah, yeah, the dude won. Great. Now he can get back to his shell-diving job for ten cents a day. And he better get back to it soon - I'm going on vacation there soon. I'm going to need souvenirs!

Go USA!!! Everyone else blows!!!

Geoff Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 01:05 PM EST

to the simple minded USA haters... it doesn't matter where the dude is from... even IF he was American, his arrogant cocky ghetto struttin bravado is DISRESPECTFUL and TRASHY! ...he wont' be remembered and revered as a True Olympian.

Tracy Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 12:55 PM EST

I do not enjoy watching this retard cause I know he's gonna display some arrogant showboating antics, i.e. beating his chest and slowing down to visibly display that he KNOWS he has won (after looking around to see one beside him). On the 200m dash to begin, he saw himself on the big screen and grabbed his crotch. If you admire NO CLASS, this guy's for you. He may be a freakishly fast and tall runner, but thus far in his career, he's demonstrated POOREST OF SPORTSMANSHIP. Don't blame it on youth, there are plenty of young athletes (and younger) who win with grace and integrity and dignity!
I hope marketers consider his trashy behavior when offering endorsements deals. Give it to athletes who actually inspire all-around Greatness, not just physical dominance.

Diamoond Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 10:02 AM EST

To all the HATERS, BOLT is the BEST, and no one can beat him, he deserves all the praise. He came their to win for his country and that he did. Maybe if Americans where a little more humble they would gain a little more respect from the rest of the world. Americans don't dominate in everything. Get over yourselves. NO ONE came there to see the American win in the 100 and 200 meters, they came there for BOLT. They cheered, they jumped out of their seats for BOLT. Btw, what isle did you buy the HATERAID? Maybe if you drink some humble tea, your sprinters may become a tad faster, that hateraid slowed them down a bit, dont you think? GO BOLT, you did it. I'm proud of you. Your country's proud of you. GO JAMAICA, GO BOLT. We whooped ***.

Orville Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 08:17 AM EST

If Mr. Bolt wanted to be very "respectful" to the other athletes then maybe he should have just stopped and let the Americans win the race, YEAH that would be VERY respectful of him. By the way did anyone notice the celebration of the American bronze medallist in the same race? you'd think HE won.

Mike Sams Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 08:47 PM EST

I agree with the dude below..he did not display a conduct of a a great athlete..I will NOT cheer for him..GO USA!

idris Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 08:44 PM EST

I think Usain is a fool. There was not a need to display that kind of behavior..yes, he's good, he could be the best at all time...but his behavior turned me off....arrogant preak!....

hot child in the city Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 06:37 PM EST

Hmmm...the man win fair and square let him celebrate how he wishes. Be a little generous people. America and the larger countries with more developed sports programmes win all the medals. Its not Developed Countries games, everyone has a fair chance and given how USA, USA celebrates, its only fair everyone should be allowed. Congratulations to those fine Caribbean men and women who standing up and being counted. We applaud you today.

Chaddogg Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 05:13 PM EST

Uh, I'm going to say that being "the world's fastest man" MIGHT not be an effective pick-up line, depending on the context....

IndianaJenn Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 12:16 PM EST

I think I have the right day... I'd like to nominate The Mighty Fed and his partner Stan Wawrinka! Watching Federer & Stan jump up and down like little kids was so fun!

Scott Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 12:15 PM EST

As expected, Mimi is still unable to comprehend the notion that there's room to consider someone else other than oneself. Mimi is a clear product of how society has devolved into extreme narcissism. In her mind, there's apparently nothing wrong with acting in your interest only, and never having a thought for someone else who might be affected by your actions. A person like Mimi will just say "So what" if he was selfish, and "So what" if he wasn't very sportsmanlike. Well it may not matter to you Mimi, because you obviously understand and support that kind of selfishness, but the other runners who were competing against Bozo Bolt may not feel that way.

Steven A Smith Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 11:18 AM EST

Way to keep it ghetto bra!

donner Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 11:11 AM EST

Jay, honey - watch Phelps again and notice that when he wins his races, he celebrates AFTER he wins - not BEFORE like Bolt did....good lord, how stupid can you BE??? You FINISH the stupid race, THEN you celebrate...its not that hard to understand, and yet you seem to be confused...RUN THE RACE and then celebrate...don't stop, take a smoke break and start again...I think its great that Bolt won, its just too bad he doesn't have any class while doing it...RUN THE RACE for god's sake...that's why you're there!!!!!

Martha Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 10:55 AM EST

I thought what Bolt pulled off was amazing, but was disappointed that he pulled up a bit at the end. The silver medalist's victory celebration was way over the top. Along with Bolt and Dara Torres, I nominate Walter Dix - no one thought he would be a contender, he won bronze and then acquitted himself really well in his interview. And he's a fine specimen of manhood to boot.

Rebecca Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 10:16 AM EST

Regardless of if I agree with Mimi or Scott, I'm pretty sure people stop listening to you and you lose all credibility when you call the person you are debating with moronic and stupid. Any normal person interested in what you are saying will just roll their eyes and say "okay honey, you're right".

Mimi Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 09:39 AM EST

Scott, you're still a Moron and Stupid!! Bolt didn't mock anyone. That's what you need to understand. So what if he was being selfish according to you. So what if he celebrated too early before crossing the finish line. He was HAPPY he was winning and wasn't afraid to show his emotions. He didn't let a small percentage of the world dictate to him the so called proper way of acting and celebrating. He didn't let morons like you come in between this moment, this great achievement. On another note, basketball championships, football championships and the list goes on and on, all do this as well and no one in their right mind ever thinks it's mocking the other team and is not in the positive spirit of the competition. All those players start celebrating and patting each other on their backs seconds and sometimes minutes before the game is over if you ever watched any of the championship games. Because that moment in time belongs to them and not to a small percentage of old kooks like you.

Taunting Yellow Flag Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 09:11 AM EST

I'm in agreement with those that say his celebration before the finish line was unsportsmanlike. It bordered on taunting and should be reviewed by the Olympic committee for a violation of the Olympic oath as disrespectful to the other athletes. (ref: Swedish wrestler) Celebrate however you want after the race, but finish the race first.

Gretchen Weiners Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 08:28 AM EST

Huh I reckon "Hey baby, ever been with the World's Fastest Man" would be the worst pick-up line possible!

Kelly Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 07:29 AM EST

"There's no better pick-up line than "Hey baby, you ever been with the World's Fastest Man?""

Really? Personally I don't want it to be over in less than 10 seconds...

Anyway I second the nomination for any rowers as they tend to have lovely arms and I'm all about those muscles.

Alternatively Great Britain's Chris Hoy has some very impressive thighs which might be deserving of a showcase. He has already won two Golds at these Games in cycling events (after they stopped running the event where he won Gold in Athens) and will be up for a third medal tomorrow.

Scott Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 06:27 AM EST

The comments below from people like Jay and Mimi are a discouraging sign of our times. Selfishness and narcissism rule now. Jay and Mimi don't even understand that my comments below aren't about me at all. It's about how Bolt doesn't have a clue how to show common courtesy and a sense of good sportsmanship to the other competitors. To Jay, did you read my comments at all? I'm saying that Bolt's actions would've been fine if done AFTER he's past the finish line and the race is over. Did Phelps ever ease up before finishing any of his races, and do a quick fist-pump out of the water because he knew he was ahead and was going to win? Of course not. He goes full out and swims to the wall, and THEN he celebrates. He's not showing anybody up by doing that. What Bolt did basically mocked the other runners, and that's not in the positive spirit of competition.

Crystal Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 10:58 PM EST

Re: Bolt. If you are good enough to slow down at the end of the 100m dash and still win by that much, you do whatever the heck you want. Congrats Lightning!

Re: OSD noms
Sanson on the French fencing team was *ahem* quite attractive
and how 'bout the U.S. women rowers (especially the wee coxswain)!

Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 10:34 PM EST

Romanian Constantina Dita-Tomescu, the 38 year old marathon winner and Oksana Aleksandrovna Chusovitina, the 35 year old gymnast from Germany are my picks for stud of the day. Chusovitina, competing at her 5th olympics (a record for a gymnast) won silver in the women's vault, beating out others less than half her age!

Jay Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 09:47 PM EST

Donner, what's the "right" way to celebrate the fact that you just won the title as World's Fastest Man? To smile politely and whisper "hooray"? Were you turned off when Michael Phelps got all He-man and let out a yelp after winning the 100 butterfly by 0.01 seconds? Get off your high horse ...

Jay Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 09:40 PM EST

Scott, get over yourself. The "right" way to run a race is to beat the others to the finish line, and Lightning Bolt did just that. That dude is the most prodigious sprinter I've ever seen, and if he wants to celebrate, in his own way, the fact that he's just shown the world he's the fastest, baddest man alive, he's earned that right. The fact that he celebrated early and eased up showed his competition and the rest of the world that when they race him in the future they'll be racing for second.

Mimi Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 09:35 PM EST

All of you who are talking crap about Bolt celebrating too early are a bunch of MORONS!! Good for him for keeping it real and being himself. He's not there to please everyone, he didn't do this for you. He did it for himself and his country, but mostly for himself. He is a 21 yr. old kid who is happy as hell for just winning GOLD and being the fastest runner in this PLANET. Cut him some slack and stop being stupid!!!

donner Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 09:27 PM EST

I'm with Scott on this one - I was SO turned off by Bolt's early celebration...it was obnoxious and I hate it when American athletes do it too...(and they do)...UGH...do it right, or go the hell home...no one wants to see you flounce around, honey...

chamlo Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 09:00 PM EST

I would like to second the nomination of the Canadian men's eight rowing team. Not only are they smooth like the walk they skull (talk about 8 yums in one), they remember to thank their wives and families! Athletes and gentlemen.

But I would also like to nominate the all of the finalists of the women's 100 metre for bringing sexy back to speed. Who says you can't be curvy and athletic.

Scott Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 08:48 PM EST

No, no, NO!! Bolt is a classless loser. You always run THROUGH the finish line, regardless of how far ahead or behind you are. Done after the finish line, Bolt's actions are a celebration. Done during the race itself, it's showboating that disrespects the other competitors. Junior high kids running track know this, but apparently Bozo Bolt does not.

janeil Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 08:43 PM EST

bolt you have carry my country jamaica far

Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 04:57 PM EST

I'm going to nominate Canadian Jessica Zelinka, the heptathlon 6th-place finisher (heptathlete?)who beat her personal best and managed to keep a really neat ponytail throughout the seven events.

And I have to throw my support behind Dara Torres!

Rose Tyler Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 04:13 PM EST

And I can spell. It should be knew not new and credited not created. Sorry, I'm tried.

Rose Tyler Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 04:12 PM EST

It's been said that Bolt started celebrating as soon as he saw that he was ahead of Powell because that's what really mattered to him. He new Powell was his main competition and when he looked aside and saw Powell was no where to be seen he started to celebrate.
As for Olympic stud, do coaches count? I would like to nominate the men's basketball head coach, Mike Krzyzewski. He is to be created with this team's spirit and attitude. It's because of him they are Team Redeem.

Jordy Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 03:40 PM EST

i would love to see all of the people critisizing bolt go out and beat his world record

Jelana Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 03:35 PM EST

Dara Torres missed the gold by 1/100 of a second, hopped on the medal stand, jumped off, barely had time to put her swim cap on for her leg in the relay, in which she posted the fasted time. She's 41, and sprinting is the first ability you lose as you age. Constantina Dita-Tomescu won the marathon at age 38. I turn 39 this week, and these women are making me feel mighty good about that. I nominate Torres for OSD.

Kate Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 02:56 PM EST

I'm with whoever nominated the Canadian mens rowing team, some fine looking men who happen to be fantastic athletes. Plus one was from my hometown :) Also Paula was inspiring to watch, what a class act. Let's not leave out Dara Torres, wow!! 41 and a silver medal :)

To sdk Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 02:50 PM EST

"Posing and preening is a side effect of being a 100 meter sprinter"...sorry, but you see the same type of behavior every Sunday in the NFL or every Saturday in college football. Not my favorite coach by a long shot, but the late Bear Bryant used to tell his players "to act like you've been there before". There's nothing wrong with celebrating a great play or a great victory, but all the preening and posing is just ridiculous and a poor display of sportsmanship.

Sharlin Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 02:43 PM EST

If he didnt start celebrating before he finished the race, he would have slaughtered the World Record. Very careless runner in my opinion.

April Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 02:41 PM EST

I loved Michael Johnson's reaction (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/athletics/7565608.stm) to Bolt. He even admitted his 200m record could be under threat.

luke Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 02:04 PM EST

jerry, you are an ass

Sonia Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 02:01 PM EST

Congratulations Bolt! Swagger and boast all you want. Male athletes, especially sprinters tend to be like that...no big deal.

Lucy Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 01:44 PM EST

How about the fellow from Tunisia (sorry, can't spell his name!) who won the 1500m freestyle. Wow.

Jerry Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 01:31 PM EST

It's stunning that people are criticizing Bolt for not "smashing the record". Excuse me, but who ran the race? Whose record was it, any of yours? No, it was Bolt's race, Bolt's record, and Bolt runs for one reason; to win. He says that repeatedly, and also tells all of you voyeurs that he has plenty of time to work on "records". The guy is 21 years old, you haven't heard the last of him, and I for one pray he retains his youthful exuberance. God knows the world could use more of it. About him "pulling up": Since he won, you have no beef. Since he actually broke his own record, you all look like asses.

anonymous Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 01:18 PM EST

you could add/nominate Phelps.

Ndataura Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 01:14 PM EST

Utter brilliance, sheer talent, blind pride and plain stupidity. Well done, Bolt!

asj Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 12:26 PM EST

Amazing run....total domination by Bolt, and he wasn't even trying hard! H'es got a very bright future ahead of him...

Wanro Hayes Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 12:08 PM EST

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!

What other words could describe what I thought while watching the Olympics last night and Bolt ran the race!!! I have never ever seen anything like that in my life!!! Bolt my man, I am a huge rugby fan, but you made me become a new fan of athletics.

Cheers brother

Cedric Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 12:05 PM EST

Bolt was so arrogant. I rather've seen Dana Torres as OSOTD.

Tom Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 12:05 PM EST

I agree with sdk. You just won an Olympic gold medal, take as many victory laps as you want. But wait to celebrate until after you cross the finish line. He could shaved maybe a tenth of a second if he kept running.

I want to mention two ladies from the marathon. Romanian Constantina Dita-Tomescu. She had an amazing lead and held it to the finish line. Also, Paula Radcliffe of Britain. I don't remember her story from Athens, but watching her last night finish the race in obvious pain was quite inspiring.

sdk Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 11:35 AM EST

I wish he wouldn't have pulled up to celebrate before he got to the finish. I would have loved to see how much he would have smashed the record by! Amazing run...and as far as the posing and preening, I think that's just a side effect of being a 100 meter sprinter. Do you remember Maurice Greene?

Mjimen Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 10:35 AM EST

Who cares about grace. He just broke a world record, just won gold, is fastest runner in the world, is only 21. He has every right to be jubilant, cocky-call it what you want. He was so happy and ecstatic and you can see it in his face. I was so happy for him I even got goosebumps all over my arms during his victory lap.

nerakami Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 10:22 AM EST

It is great when individuals can be themselves. Not everyone has the same temperament and we shouldn't want them to.... Bolt is an extrovert hence his antics. I for one am happy that he is being himself... preen if you want to my friend, being the fastest man on earth earns you the right to thine own self... be true... CONGRATULATIONS !

AA Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 09:46 AM EST

Ha! Just read Victory Lap's comment. I was wondering how long it would take for people to judge Bolt on his swagger. All I can say to any American making that comment: Pot Kettle Black.

AA Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 09:44 AM EST

Another good choice on the Bolt pick! I still feel bad for you guys that NBC apparently doesn't show it live. Just watched the women's 100M this morning, and it was a great race too! I'm going to go patriotic today and nominate as my OSOTD the men's 8 rowing team from Canada. They are fine.

Victory Lap? Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 09:40 AM EST

If only it was a single lap. He spent 10x more time running around posing and preening than he did running the race. Try winning with grace every once in a while.

Victory Lap? Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 09:40 AM EST

If only it was a single lap. He spent 10x more time running around posing and preening than he did running the race. Try winning with grace every once in a while.