World's Fastest Showboat?
by Thomas Jeffries on 08/18/2008 at 10:53 AM
Usain "Lightning" Bolt's record-setting performance in the Olympic 100-meter final was a dominating victory, the likes of which hasn't been seen in an Olympic sprint event since Michael Johnson smashed the world record for 200 meters 12 years ago in Atlanta. Like millions of viewers around the world, I was awed by just how easily Jamaica's Bolt bested the rest of the field, literally coasting past the finish line in 9.69 seconds as his seemingly pedestrian competitors were left to battle amongst themselves for the leftovers -- silver and bronze.
Bolt so thoroughly dominated the race that the other sprinters seemed like an afterthought.
At just 21, Bolt's upside seems limitless. He's been running the 100 for less than a year and has just begun to tap his potential. The ease with which Bolt broke his own world record stunned NBC analyst Ato Bolden, himself a four-time Olympic sprint medalist. Trouble was, Bolden observed, Bolt might have run a 9.59 if he hadn't started celebrating prematurely.
Ordinary sprinters are taught to continue running all the way through the finish line, even to lunge forward at the last possible moment. But Bolt is clearly no ordinary sprinter. He could tell with about 20 meters to go that he was about to win, and he wasn't about to let the moment pass. He eased up on the gas, spread open his arms, and finally, right before the finish line, pounded his chest in triumph. Bolt's bravado made it feel more like the NBA playoffs than the Olympics.
Bolt then proceeded to soak up the crowd's adulation. "It took him fewer than 10 seconds to run 100 meters but at least 10 minutes to complete his victory lap," wrote Yahoo! Sports' Josh Peter. "He pulled off his gold spikes and held them aloft, wrapped himself in a Jamaican flag and clowned as if he were on stage at a karaoke bar rather than on the biggest stage of the Olympics."
I know, I know. Bolt is only 21 years old and likes to have fun. But I always thought there was something that set Olympic athletes apart from the macho-posing so commonplace in American pro sports. I typically associate this sort of grandstanding with end-zone celebrations and post-dunk glares. I certainly can't fault anyone for relishing the joy that comes with winning a gold medal, but -- like NBC's Bolden -- I can't help but wonder how fast Bolt could have run if he'd postponed the party until the race was actually over. After all, this wasn't a preliminary heat, but the once-every-four-years Olympic final.
But maybe Bolden and I are in the minority. Are we the only ones who wanted more speed and less showboating?
We'll see what happens later this week when Bolt goes for a second gold -- perhaps a second world record? -- in the 200 meters. Believe it or not, the 200 is Bolt's real specialty.
Part of me can hardly wait.
1. Susan said the following at 11:14 AM on Aug 18:
His showboating started even before the race with some dance moves.
2. Tami said the following at 11:23 AM on Aug 18:
Speaking of gold-medal winners' attitudes and, uh, boats of a different kind...
I saw the medal ceremony for the women's rowing team and was really impressed by their attitude. They were joyful, paying attention to what was going on (instead of talking to one another and ignoring the proceedings, which I've seen several times), and managed to look proud without looking prideful. I caught their enthusiasm and pride, in a good way.
3. Matt said the following at 12:18 PM on Aug 18:
The showboating is common with sprinters.
4. Ryan said the following at 12:28 PM on Aug 18:
I wondering if there isn't some spiritual application for us in all this... how many of us, in this "race to claim the prize" of "the high calling of Christ" think ourselves so spititually athletic that we end up being pompous in ourselves when we should only boast in the Cross...
Maybe I'm stretching it...
5. Nicole Y said the following at 12:50 PM on Aug 18:
His showboating made me switch the channel, it made me ill.
6. Lauren said the following at 12:56 PM on Aug 18:
I was watching the race with a group of people. We're those people who are excited for anyone who wins a gold medal...but we were all slightly disgusted while watching Bolt. His actions during and after the race were incredibly condescending, especially to his fellow athletes.
7. J.T. said the following at 1:04 PM on Aug 18:
Quite frankly, I can't complain because I can't run 100 meters in less than 10 seconds. And I think that anyone who can't should be griping about some celebration.
8. mary kate said the following at 1:04 PM on Aug 18:
he was pumped. he won a freaking gold medal. we all celebrate in different ways. anyway, a professional athlete is a professional athlete. if it's ok to celebrate a dunk on the court at home or in the endzone at home, why not somewhere else?
9. BDB said the following at 1:35 PM on Aug 18:
Let's see...the Jamaican women went 1-2-3 in the 100m sprint. My guess is that it must be very satisfying for a little nation like that to leave the 1st world nations in the dust.
We'll get them back in bobsled...
10. P&P said the following at 1:45 PM on Aug 18:
It could also be cultural or a display of national pride. Jamaica is an incredibly poor island nation and for a young man to be able to bring that level of glory to his country might have triggered the behavior.
How many times do we have to hear "U.S.A!", "U.S.A" every time an American team (or individual) does well in any international competition, not just the Olympics?
11. Christina (in green) said the following at 2:26 PM on Aug 18:
BDB,
I had to giggle at your post.
12. Glenise said the following at 6:31 PM on Aug 18:
I'm Jamaican. I was dancing, too when the footage finally came out. In fact, I'm pretty sure the entire island of Jamaica, as well as the Jamaican diaspora around the planet were too busy dancing with "Lightning" Bolt to think about their actions being condescending.
It's not just about the guy on the track, in the lane or on the high bars, I guess.
13. Paul said the following at 8:55 PM on Aug 18:
Well, I was kind of offended by the show-boating, but on the other hand, that was the most dominating performance I've ever seen in track and field. Wow!
14. Sherry said the following at 8:58 PM on Aug 18:
I can certainly understand that he was excited and proud to have accomplished what he did. I would celebrate, too. My problem with it, however, was that he quit "racing" early so that he could start celebrating before he crossed the finish line. Swimmers can't stop swimming to celebrate when they're ahead - they have to touch the wall... Finish the race.
15. Renee said the following at 12:34 AM on Aug 19:
lol, I read your post and think, "Come on! Seriously? Give the guy a break! Celebrate with him! The kid is happy!!!"
16. Helkias said the following at 12:46 AM on Aug 19:
I'll go woth P&P on this, especially since Jamaica had never won gold at 100m before Saturday despite coming close on several occasions. That might have jsut been happiness overflowing and maybe we should rejoice with Usain, and not be sour bystanders.
World records will come I'm sure. He's only 21, you know and he's new to this distance.
17. Bob said the following at 4:52 AM on Aug 19:
I don't know if its just me, but it seems to me that the number of world records that have been broken in these Olympics have in a way cheapened the world records, brought them down from something legendary to be aspired towards, to a more mundane everyday activity, Bolt for me typifies this.
Tough I have to admit I loved his celebration, had I won the Gold medal, I would probably be just as happy.
18. Charles H. said the following at 7:02 AM on Aug 19:
I'm with Mary Kate and BDB. I didn't see Bolt's celebration, but I don't understand why athletes are supposed to be devoid of emotion. We understand the heartbreak when someone who loses (or worse yet, doesn't qualify) is close to tears; we cheer on the lovable also-rans like Eddie the Eagle or Eric Moussambani and rejoice with them in accomplishments far overshadowed by their competitors; yet we seem to frown on any display of overt happiness by someone who has just seen years of hard work and devotion come to its ultimate fruition.
19. Paul said the following at 7:03 AM on Aug 19:
I don't see what the porblem was with Bolt's showboating. He is an athlete from a poor Caribbean country who won the marquee event at the Olympics. I was very glad for him since I am from the Caribbean myself. Is there some jealousy here? The NBC's and especialy Yahoo's Olympics coverage are overly pro-USA. So it is good to see someone else get some glory.
20. Thomas Jeffries said the following at 9:33 AM on Aug 19:
As I said, I certainly don't begrudge an athlete for relishing the joy of winning a gold medal. Yet like Sherry (#14) said, I just wish Bolt had emulated the swimmers and postponed his celebration until the race ended. (And yes, I realize that it's a bit harder to pound your chest when you're under water.)
As for those who say American bravado can be just as bad, if not worse, I have to agree. Anyone remember the U.S. men's sprint relay team at the 2000 games in Australia? Those guys struck more poses after winning than Arnold Schwarzenegger back in his Mr. Universe days.
21. Erica said the following at 9:47 AM on Aug 19:
I am also a Jamaica and I am proud of his accomplishment and also the girls in the 100 metres on Sunday. Usain Bolt has been broken world records since he was 15 years old. He holds the World Junior Records and World Youth Records in the 200 metres. Track and Field is a part of our lives out here from we start attending preschool. Although we don't have the resources like most first world countries we are happy when we have an opportunity to defeat them in somethings. Especially when the athletes who won were those who train in Jamaica.
On Sunday after Shelly Ann Fraser won the 100 metres race everyone in her hometown of Waterhouse went to church to celebrate the 100 metres victory. This was on a day that we were having heavy rain because of Tropical Storm Faye. As bad as Bolt did on Saturday he behave much better than Ato Boldon did after winning the 200 metres at 1997 World Championship.
22. Erica said the following at 9:52 AM on Aug 19:
By the way, our athletes and Coachs always tell us the Europeans is always proud to see them at these event. The reason being is that they know the USA will not have it easy in the Tracks. Our Athletes always tells us the runners from the European countries always quick to congratulates them more than the Americans.
23. Tope said the following at 10:51 AM on Aug 19:
Sherry - he didn't "stop" racing to celebrate. He crossed the finish line.
I find it interesting that news outlets and other commenters keep harping on the fact that Bolt could have had an even better time if he hadn't slowed down, despite the fact that he's made it perfectly clear that winning, not having the fastest time possible, was his goal. Why are folks getting so worked up about something that Bolt himself didn't consider to be a priority?
24. BDB said the following at 11:08 AM on Aug 19:
Looks like the USA swept hurdles 1-2-3 - whoo-hoo!
25. BDB said the following at 11:09 AM on Aug 19:
Christina (in green) #11 wrote:
>>I had to giggle at your post.<<
Well, you know that all the Candians, Swedes and Norwegians are thinking to themselves, "Just wait until it snows!"
26. BDB said the following at 11:17 AM on Aug 19:
Erica (#21) wrote:
>>Our Athletes always tells us the runners from the European countries always quick to congratulates them more than the Americans.<<
Ewww...that's embarassing.
I actually do know one of the swimmers - well, our fathers know eachother quite well. I noticed on one of the women's races - someone from a different country apparently ripped her suit, and the 41-year-old American notified the officials to delay the race. The American still won, but it was kind of funny to listen to the TV commentators saying, "What is she doing? Why isn't she going to her spot? What's going on?" Well, she was being "sportsmanlike." We need more of that...
27. Stephen Cathers said the following at 2:20 PM on Aug 19:
Setting aside the morality of showboating, I have to think that we wouldn't have been as impressed with Bolt's performance if he hadn't showboated. Let's face it, the number of world records that get broken in the Olympics is large; it's getting to be commonplace (swimming's been absolutely ridiculous). The fact that he could showboat for the last 20 meters and still break the record showed that he was dominant in way that merely breaking the record wouldn't have. That image spoke far more to his dominance than a few than a few less fractions of a second would have. That said, I hope he really opens up in the 200m and shows what he's capable of.
28. Jason said the following at 5:29 PM on Aug 19:
One of the reasons he started showboating like that is that setting a record too low at the Olympics actually costs him money. He gets no bonus for setting a world record at the Olympics, but he gets a $250,000 if he sets one at a Golden League competition (there are several worldwide each year). Once he realized he was going to win the gold, the most fiscally prudent thing for him to do was shut it down and not set the record out of his own reach.
29. Leah said the following at 6:35 PM on Aug 19:
Who cares? The Olympics is not about setting records. It's not even about winning. It's about competing and enjoying the experience. Bolt did that, and good on him.
30. Leah said the following at 6:37 PM on Aug 19:
Sherry, you said he shouldn't have stopped racing and that swimmers have to touch the wall- well, he had to cross the finish line, and he did! How can you call that "stopping" racing?
31. John Shaw said the following at 11:22 PM on Aug 19:
9.69 seconds: impressive
The way in which the race was run: not so much.
I would rather he just finished the race at full speed and let his performance speak for itself. Enough showboating already.
32. Mike said the following at 12:55 AM on Aug 20:
Bolt is sponsored by Puma. Sponsorship deals usually pay a flat bonus everytime the athlete breaks a world record. By "only" running a 9.69, in the future he can break his own record, increasing his fame and fortune.
33. Helkias said the following at 10:47 AM on Aug 20:
Now that he's broken the 200m record and wasn't showboating, I expect we'll all be joining him in his celebrations rather than be part of the crowd that's subjecting the Jamaican athletes to unfair scrutiny i.e. performances this good must be drug assisted. 4 drugs tests at a single Games is a bit OTT, isn't it?
34. Brendan said the following at 11:34 AM on Aug 20:
I was kinda ticked until I heard the interview with him. They asked what he might have gotten if he had run all the way through and he said that he didn't care, he just wanted to win the gold.
If that's true, and he knew that he won the gold, then let him celebrate, I guess.
35. Vanessa said the following at 11:36 AM on Aug 20:
Wait a minute, let me understand: is all this discussion about someone who celebrated "too much" the fact he won a gold medal in the Olympics?
Wow, what a sad life when you aren´t even allowed to celebrate such an amazing accomplishment....
36. Thomas Jeffries said the following at 5:03 PM on Aug 20:
Vanessa,
This discussion is not just about someone who celebrated "too much," but that Bolt started celebrating before the race was even over. Clearly, the man is both an immensely talented sprinter and every inch a performer.
37. Thomas Jeffries said the following at 11:09 PM on Aug 20:
Now that Usain Bolt has also won the 200 meters -- and set another world record -- by running hard all the way to the finish line, there is no doubt that he has plenty to celebrate. For that matter, the way Bolt and his teammates have performed, the entire country of Jamaica might consider declaring a national holiday.
38. Stephanie said the following at 9:54 AM on Aug 21:
I don't get the issue. If an athlete gets excited when they realize they are winning and acts out of exuberance before the end of the race, so what? Granted, it's risky to celebrate before the end because someone could pass you and then you would look silly, but what's wrong about celebrating before the end? How many times do I see US NBA basketball teams celebrate in NBA finals when there is more time on the clock? Technically they haven't won yet either, right? But no one complains about that so why the double standard?
On a related note, as a Jamaican, I can say Bolt's celebration was just as much about Jamaica as it was about him. Jamaica is very poor, most of our athletes get recruited with college scholarships immediately after high school by US, British and Canadian universities and they leave for a better life (who can blame them?). After all, they get an education and sometimes are able to send for or at least support family back home after completing their education. The few that end up doing well enough to compete on a national or international stage, typically end up competing for their naturalized country instead. So Jamaicans often end up celebrating their athletes' accomplishments in a bittersweet way -- happy they won though knowing it was for another country. In recent years, athletes like Bolt have turned down opportunities to leave Jamaica and chose instead to run for their home county -- talk about a sacrifice! So when he wins running under our flag, he knows what it means to those who still live there. As he said in one of his interviews "this is big for my country." And he's right.
39. cassie said the following at 4:36 PM on Aug 21:
he won thats all that matters. Bolt is to track as Phelps is to swimming...
40. Stephanie said the following at 5:47 PM on Aug 22:
Yes, I like Phelps.
41. BDB said the following at 7:36 PM on Aug 22:
#37 wrote:
>>Now that Usain Bolt has also won the 200 meters -- and set another world record -- by running hard all the way to the finish line,<<
Yeah - I noticed that he ran all the way this time. Does anyone know if he reads this blog?
42. Leah said the following at 8:48 PM on Aug 24:
BDB - perhaps Bolt wasn't quite as confident regarding his 200m race as 100m. Perhaps he thought that, given the race was 200m, there was more time for his opponents to catch up if he slowed towards the end.
Thomas Jeffries said This discussion is not just about someone who celebrated "too much," but that Bolt started celebrating before the race was even over.
What is wrong with the fact he started celebrating before it was over? He knew he'd won the race. I think the problem you really have is that you think he was celebrating "too much". Sure, he might be a bit prideful, but
a) a lot of athletes are and
b) we can't expect non-Christians to adhere to Christian principles.
You can't criticise him for celebrating before finishing the race, because he knew he'd won it. And good on him for being so successful he had the time to slow down and have some fun! My husband and I were laughing and cheering for him when we saw his race.
43. Henry said the following at 2:58 AM on Aug 25:
If Usain Bolt was white, would his celebration bother you as much?
44. John said the following at 9:27 AM on Aug 25:
Honestly, "premature" celebration shouldn't be a big deal. In fact, it will add to his legendary status. How may world record holders have ever started celebrating before they finished?
Well, actually, the marathon runner just set an olympic record and he celebrated before breaking the tape.
Also, he didn't slow down. His momentum carried him through. It's questionable he would have ran faster, rather, if he kept form and ran through the line, his time would have been faster, but he technically didn't slow down. His stride stayed consistent.
At these Olympics, he was a "draw-dropping-I-thought-I-had-seen-everything-before-but-now-I-know-otherwise" athlete that capped off the greatest Olympics since...EVER!
45. Spaticus said the following at 2:26 PM on Sep 4:
Are we really mad at his showboating or are we mad at he showboat and broke the world record while doing it. Other athletes never really got the chance to do so cause no one was ever this far ahead..i would show boat too if it were me