Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man on the track, once cleaned up Chris Gayle’s castle in a charity match. Cricket was Bolt’s first love, and as you can imagine, he was a fast bowler, using all his 195cm (6ft 5) frame.
Now the question is being asked if Jamaican team-mate Yohan Blake can bowl over Bolt at the London Olympics?
Not so, reckons the man rightfully dubbed “Lightning” Bolt.
“There have been legends before me, but this is my time”.
I wonder.
Bolt has never been quite the same dominant figure since he broke in the final of last year’s world championship 100 in Daegu, and was automatically disqualified.
Blake won that final, and has beaten Bolt head-to-head since over both the 100 and 200. Both times Bolt was jittery on the blocks, and paid the penalty.
In a precision and power event like the 100, and to a lesser extent the 200, there’s no room to be left at the start, however so slightly.
If Bolt isn’t at ease and comfortable on the blocks, it’s an overall confidence sapper. And even a Bolt can’t afford that luxury.
What that Daegu break has done is to make a more level playing field, when it was once Bolt and daylight.
Not only Blake, but another Jamaican Asafa Powell, and American Tyson Gay as well.
These questions wouldn’t be asked if the “big four” ran their best times:
Bolt – the 100 in 9.58 – the 200 in 19.19, both current world records.
Gay – 100 in 9.69, and 200 in 19.58.
Powell – 100 in 9.72, and 200 in 19.90. Forget the latter, the 200 isn’t Powell’s event.
And Blake – 100 in 9.75, and 200 in 19.26.
It will be fascinating to see if the greatest track athlete we have ever seen can do what no other sprinter, man or woman, has done and win 100 and 200 Olympic track gold in successive Games.
The record book shows Carl Lewis won the back-to-back double in 1984 and 1988. But he won 100 gold in Seoul in ’88 by default, after Ben Johnson was stripped of gold for testing positive.
Three billion television viewers worldwide watched the Beijing Olympics 100 final.
The London final is likely to top that figure because Usain Bolt has become vulnerable. Even mortal.
For the first time in his spectacular career, he is under the pump where it counts most.
It will be the measure of the man if Usain Bolt wins both sprints in the light of what happened at Daegu.
k77sujith
Roar Guru
If Bolt comes out with his customary over-the-top jig on camera just before the race, we'd know how good he feels. Having said that, he hasn't been in the best of form and I sense an upset in the 100m race. As a recent doco showed, Bolt's weak link lies in his start and with Blake in top form, it all adds to the excitement. Blake and Bolt are great buddies who have trained together for years now and therefore, share a great relationship. But can the big man fire when it matters most? We shall see. Thanks.
Droppa
Guest
not if the hammy is dodgy & thats the word.
sheek
Guest
David, Where's Donald Rumsford when you need him most for a comment or prediction? We have the known knowns, the known unknowns, the unknown knowns, & the unknown unknowns.......... Of course, there's always the "two sides of the coin" theory: 1. The loss at the nationals will jolt Bolt back to his best (we Aussies all hope that is the case with Sally losing recently). 2. Blake has definitely surpassed Bolt as 'the man'. We're going to find out soon enough..........
Dan
Guest
Never doubt a champion He will win!! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
tonysalerno
Roar Guru
Good article David, I think Bolt will still claim Gold in London- he has done it before and will do it again.
mds1970
Roar Guru
True champions bounce back when under pressure. Is Usain Bolt a true champion? I think he is; and I'm predicting Bolt not only wins but betters his Beijing time.
jameswm
Guest
I don't think Powell can win it. I think it's between the two other Jamaicans. Bolt at his best will win, but will he be at his best? A couple of strong runs in the quarters and semis, then his strut and confidence are right back. Like everyone, looking forward to this. The 100, 800, womens 100 hurdles and mens 100 freestyle are the 4 events of the games for me. Mens 800 because it has the world's best athlete running.
Jock
Guest
Interesting article and food for thought! Personally i think there is currently a question mark over Bolt's fitness. This, plus the fact he is is jittery on the blocks and one early break now equals instant disqualification,leads me to predict he will not win the 100. Blake and Gay look the best bet although leaning towards the former. If i am wrong as to the Bolt fitness, he as a better chance of winning the 200 but i still tip Blake. Finally, Bolt "the greatest track athlete we have ever seen". I don't think so. Carl Lewis by a mile. However, cannot miss the opportunity of mentioning Tommy Smith- poetry in motion!
Jocelyn McLennan
Roar Guru
He should win but I dont think the conditions will allow for any records in the sprints. There could be an upset in the wings by either Gay, Powell or Blake. The only record I expect to go will be the 4 x 100metres. Look out for the French in that one!