IDLE CHATTER WILL FIRE BOLT TO VICTORY
This is not a conspiracy per se, but I do find it interesting that all of a sudden a few of America’s great track and field athletes – athletes who prior to this year believed that Usain Bolt was the greatest thing since sliced bread – are now of the belief that he will be beaten by Yohan Blake come August 5.
I say interesting because given what Bolt has achieved this season- 9.76s in virtually still conditions -0.01 mps, and 9.79s in similar conditions, all they are talking about is his performance at the National Championships in June when Bolt, who was suffering from a bad back and tight hamstrings, ran 9.86s losing to Blake who ran a world leading 9.75.
Adjusted for wind, Bolt’s season’s best time is actually faster than Blake’s, which is not to say that Blake is not capable of winning. In fact he has done nothing but win this year. Of all the contenders for the Olympic title Blake is the only one who remains unbeaten. Blake has been a beast all season long and he has not lost since he won the 100-metre title in Daegu last year. The time might have not lived up to expectations but Blake delivered back-to-back 9.82s in meets immediately following the championships and then closed off the season with a mind-blowing 19.26 run over the 200 metres in Brussels. So far this season Blake has looked phenomenal. He opened up with a 9.90s here in Jamaica and has, for the most part, looked unstoppable, topping out with that world-leading time on June 28.
But, lets look at the realities here. Bolt, a man who has run 9.58s, has in the eyes of many not looked as good since 2009. Then he false started in Daegu paving the way for Blake to become the youngest ever world champion. What we also know is that Bolt, when he is at his best can not be beaten. He still takes 41 strides to complete the 100 metres while everyone else takes between 44 and 46. By all reports Bolt is now close to 100 percent. His sponsorship obligations are on hold for now and public appearances are on hiatus; its now time for business.
However, Maurice Greene, Edwin Moses, and Carl Lewis, I feel, are playing mind games. They know that a fit and focussed Bolt is a huge obstacle for Tyson Gay, Justin Gatlin and the rest of America’s sprinters, who have been cannon fodder for Bolt and they know that only if he is unhinged do their sprinters have a chance. So they will say things like ‘You are only as good as your last performance, so I think Blake will win’,’ accredited to Edwin Moses; ‘Adam Gemili can beat Bolt, accredited to Maurice Greene, and of course Carl Lewis’ comments that it is very hard to repeat as Olympic champion, are all statements they hope will get back to Bolt.
I guess they’re hoping that the comments will cause him to start doubting himself opening the door not only to Blake but for Gay and company. Americans might not feel track and field like they used to, but they don’t like to lose so they will do whatever is necessary to get the results they desire.
However, they overlooked one important thing. Back in 2002, in front of his home crowd here in Jamaica, a nervous Usain Bolt won the world junior title after being so nervous he put his spikes on the wrong foot. He used that energy to good advantage and blew away his competition. Bolt’s talents were forged at Champs and honed on the world stage facing adversity enough times along the way that would stall an ordinary man.
Bolt however, is no ordinary man. Since he lost twice to Blake in June, Bolt went underground and got back to work. He doesn’t like to lose, not to Blake, not to Gay, not to anyone. Bolt will emerge on August 4, ready to cement his legacy as the greatest sprinter that has ever lived. And one gets the feeling that all who beat him prior to then better watch out. Blake is his friend, yes, but on the track the youngster is just another man trying to take his dream away. Lightning will strike on August 5 and all the idle talk will vanish after he settles the score once and for all.
The Gleaner reserves the right not to publish comments that may be deemed libelous, derogatory or indecent.
To respond to The Gleaner please use the feedback form.
30 Responses to “IDLE CHATTER WILL FIRE BOLT TO VICTORY”
Leave a Reply
Older Posts
- DJOKOVIC RISING: COULD ECLIPSE FEDERER
- GRAF BLUNTS SERENA’S QUEST FOR FURTHER GLORY
- ZIKA THREAT TO ATHLETES AND THE OLYMPICS
- ‘WRONG AND STRONG’ GAYLE NEEDS TO KNOWRESPECT WORKS BOTH WAYS
- MY TOP PERFORMERS FOR 2015
- WHY WOMEN’S MILE RELAY WIN IS MY PEOPLE’S CHOICE SELECTION
- THE ‘AXEMAN’ WAS ROBBED
- DAVIES EMAIL COULD SPELL END OF COE’S PRESIDENCY
- EATON AND DIBABA WERE NOT BEST OF THE BEST FOR 2015
- DAY/NIGHT CRICKET SHOULD BE JUST THE START TO THE WAY TEST MATCHES ARE PLAYED
Other Blogs
Agriculture
Gavel
Have your say
Iconsumer
Motor sports
Social Impact
Sports
Social Bookmarks
Bookmark Here:
| M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| «-» | ||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | ||
- Gleaner Company Websites
- Jamaica Gleaner
- The Star
- Go Jamaica
- Go Local
- Sports Jamaica
- Sports Caribe
- Hospitality Jamaica
- Youth Link
- Voice UK
- Gleaner Company Websites
- Business Directory
- Gleaner Classifieds
- Kingston Restaurant Week
- Financial Gleaner
- Discover Jamaica
- Discover Caribe
- Returning Residents
- Go Jamaica hosting
- Contact Info
- RSS Feed
- Contact Us
Bolt is very good but Blake is a faster runner I saw it from 2008. The race that Bolt false start if he had ran that race with Blake he would d have lost his title . He rather not to run than to loose his title . I really don’t blame . Blake beating him is no surprise to me but I still love him and his jovial spirit .I wish him luck .
I agree with you about the Americans not liking to lose. A Chinese teen phenom beat Lochte’s and Phelps’ times and she is labeled a drug cheat. Mo Green has not said anything makes sense to a discerning ear. The so-called G.O.A.T just bleats any nonsense that comes to mind. Bolt can feed off the energy of the crowd like no other. Glen Mills understands Bolt’s quest to become what Mo green could not be, he will be a living legend whether they like it or not.
Excellent commentary!
Brethren: Bolt dont have anything to prove to any man What he had accomplished so far is ASTRONOMICAL and out of this world.
I dont know y he keeps on talking about trying to be a legend in London, he’s already one.
I have never heard or probably will never see another athlete break 3 seperate WORLD RECORDS in an olympics and like that was’nt enough da following year in World Champs. da man repeat da feat and break all 3 records once more.
He does’nt need to even compete anymore those TRIUMPHS has already made him undoubtedly the greatest athlete ever alive/ever lived.
[...] http://gleanerblogs.com/sports/?p=1370 ← Former Prime Minister backs Bolt, Fraser-Pryce for Olympic 100m titles – Jamaica Observer [...]
I agree with you John, I’m rooting #TeamJA. All the hype behind Blake is very boring and simple minded, unbeaten or not
All i can say this will be the moment the world has been waiting for.
And we shall see, because everyone wants to beat BOLT.
But i say no more
I am holding my breath for that day.
I agree with John, Bolt has nothing to prove to anyone.
BOYS
Usain have it lock for first.
Asafa have for second.ridget
Yohan a come third.
GIRLS
First Shelly-ann .
Second VCB.
Third sherone or kerone.
Hurdles
Melaine first.
Kelise second.
Bridget third.
TRUST ME JAMAICA HAVE IT LOCK
MI DONE TALK
GO JAMAICA
Men’s 100m
1. Blake/Bolt/Gay
2. Gatlin
3. Powell
(Bolt is great, but his opponents have closed the gap)
Women’s 100m
1. Fraser-Pryce
2. Jeter
3. Baptist/Madison
Men’s 200m
1. Bolt
2. Blake
3. Spearman
Women’s 200
1. Felix
2. Richards-Ross
3. Fraser-Pryce
Men’s 400m
1. Merritt/James
2. McQuay
3. J. Borlee
(sorry Jamaica I don’t think Gonzales makes the final)
Women’s 400m
1. Richards-Ross
2. Montsho
3. Williams-Mills
Richards-Ross will not make it to the podium in the200M, as Shelly-Ann will win going away followed by VCB, Felix and Jeter. She will be lucky to come fifth. This in turn will compromise her result in the 400M where again the best she can hope for is 2nd.
With regard to Bolt, if he doesn’t come well-prepared to run he will be second to Blake in both the 100M and 200M.
Your comments, analysis and predictions all sound very interesting, but as they say”time is the spanner that pulls all nuts. Simply put, we will see, God willing.
Let’s not underestimate Blake. They all peak and lose form throughout their careers. Bolt had an awesome 2008 and 2009 but don’t expect that it will last forever. Furthermore, this is the men’s sprints and back to back dominance is difficult especially when you are not 100%.
Yes, lighting WILL strike fi true.
Oops – lightning
IT SHOULDN’T MATTER WE ARE ALL ONE WHETHER BLAKE IS FIRST AND BOLT IS SECOND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BORING IF HE HADN’T HAD THE CHALLENGE.
I agree with all of you.
My last prediction before the women’s 100 final later today.
1. Jeter
2. Fraser-Pryce
3. Madison
Tough as Nails…your prediction did not come true…heehee. Gwaan Shelly-Ann, wi proud ah yuh in London!
Don’t forget who got the bronze – Veronica Campbell-Brown…well done! Shame Kerone couldn’t make the final for a full sweep but proud of all our girls!
Let’s just all pray for these athletes who are representing us and hope that their best will be enough. God is in charge here so we dont need to predict because “Man plan and God wipe out”. The spirit of Jamaicans are enough to support and lift up the athletes but with some prayers…we can wipe out the competition. Good luck to anyone who can make Jamaica remain the proudest and best little island in the Caribbean. Love you all!
@ Lady Kay. Predictions not done yet, still have 200′s to go. I don’t think i’m doing that bad. I was wrong with the women’s 100 for 1st. I was right for women’s 400 for 1st. Right for men’s 100 for 1st.
Women’s 200 Final
1. Felix
2. Richard-Ross
3. Fraser-Pryce
(Fraser-Pryce is on fire!! but Felix…)
Almost forgot…
Men’s 4×100
1. U.S.
2. Jamaica
3. Trinidad & Tobago
(with Powell out that makes a difference.I’m skeptical about a WR Jamaica)
Women’s 4×100
1. U.S.
2. Jamaica
3. Bahama’s
(3 women in the 100 final that ran under 11. I give the edge to U.S)
Men’s 4×400
1. U.S.
2. Belgium
3. Bahama’s
(with Merritt out U.S. still have the depth)
Women’s 4×400
1. U.S
2. Russia
3. Jamaica
(U.S had 3 women in the 400 final. Two ran under 50 and the 3rd ran close to it. WR?)
Pamela is delusional. ‘bolt is good but yohan is faster’. where the hell did u get that?
All the people who doubted Bolt would have been proven wrong as opposed to me who did not for even a fraction of a second doubt Bolt’s ability to come back from a beating. He has the lowest times in history in the 100m and the 200m sprint races so that speaks volumes. He would have wanted to prove to the world that he is the greatest regardless of past failures hence his motivation would have been more profound than all the other 7 athletes in the finals with him. I believe a fully fit Usain will demolish both the 9.58 and the 19.19 very soon. That will be something to talk about. ‘To the worl!’
Mmm…so where are all the Bolt doubters now? I guess they too have been silenced by Bolt in the same way he has emphatically silenced all pretenders. Living legend – first man ever to repeat the 100m and 200m AND throw in the world record 4x100m relay for good measure (to go along with the olympic record in the 100). The king of sprints has spoken. Long live the king!
pamela is not disillusional,just another badminded jamaican who knows nothing about track , but a lot about hating.
Tough As Nails…I guess you better come again…at least you are consistent…always wrong!
Hi! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My site addresses a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you’re interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Superb blog by the way!