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.