Sportsmanship At Its Finest

Usain Bolt, the sprinter from Jamaica, is the epitome of sportsmanship. Tonight was the 200m semifinal which allowed me the privilege of watching him race. 3 ways I know it was a privilege rather than right to view his gazelle like skills:

1.) The announcer’s introduction: “Usain Bolt, from Jamaica. He used to say he’s the fastest man on the planet, but now he says he’s the fastest man on all planets.

Bold claim from Bolt. I can’t help but wonder if he’s counting Pluto because Pluto is no longer a planet. If he is then that’s just arrogant, but if he’s speaking of the other 8 that’s just confident.

2.) While being interviewed Bolt is asked how much he was giving the race because it looked so effortless. He informs us he was giving us “probably like 60%.”

I was once asked, do you drive on a road being paved? No. I guess you don’t. Maybe he’s using the semis to pave his road and will give us a full 100% for the finals. Really though, this feels like a clear message to us as the spectators that we need to try harder so he’ll give us the other 40%. I’m currently piecing together a foam finger out of our couch cushions for the finals. Don’t tell Steph.

3.) The sportscaster also asks him about the guy from South Africa who finished 2nd. He says it appeared that the little guy thought it was an honor to run alongside Bolt. To which he responds, “ya, he did pretty good. Made his country proud. I’m pretty much happy for him.”

Good. Good. It’s just the Olympics and you still kicked the guy giving only 60% but you wouldn’t want to show any weakness by being fully happy for him. Strategic, Bolt. You, Sir, are an athlete.