Bolt celebration draws rebuke from Olympic boss

BEIJING -- International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge said Thursday that Jamaica's Usain Bolt disrespected his opponents by failing to acknowledge their attempts to congratulate him after he set world records here in the 100 and 200 meters.

In an interview with three news agencies, including the Associated Press, Rogge suggested that Bolt's celebration after the race was excessive.

"That's not the way we perceive being a champion,'' Rogge said.

"I have no problem with him doing a show. I think he should show more respect for his competitors and shake hands, give a tap on the shoulder to the other ones immediately after the finish and not make gestures like the one he made in the 100 meters.''

Bolt was so far ahead in the 100 meters that he began celebrating meters before he crossed the finish line, showing up his rivals.

"I understand the joy,'' Rogge said. "He might have interpreted that in another way, but the way it was perceived was, 'Catch me if you can.' You can't do that. But he'll learn. He's still a young man."

At the same time, Rogge expressed admiration for Bolt's talent and achievements, comparing him as a sprinter to Jesse Owens.

The difference between Bolt and Owens and Carl Lewis is that they also won in the long jump.

-- Randy Harvey

Usain Bolt hangs onto his pair of golden sneakers, a big contributor to his golden runs. Photo by Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Fran]

I think that is crap. Why when us Jamaicans do something good we never get credit, people always have to find negative things to say. He was never disrecpectful to noone, he was just being himself and celebrating in a true Jamaican fashion. This is the first Jamaica has been on such top form. Do you know how much this means to us and over country?

Jamaicans all over the world are so proud of him. Give us credit for a change. Say this is disrecpectful if you want. "Jamaica number one, catch us if you can"

[Carl Lewis]

Usain is the best runner in the world. I don't think he is on drugs. Therefore... maybe he is an extraterrestrial? For the ones who still question him, look at his races in the link above.

[Carl Lewis]

Rogge has nothing to say. You can celebrate the way you like!

[timbaler2008]

Rogge better shuts up! We are in front of the quickest man on Earth and he has the right to celebrate the way he likes! Bolt is an extraterrestrial!

Check the link to see how he got the golds!
http://usainbolt-2008.blogspot.com/

[Mary]

I love how 'u' jamaican take credit for one fella

[david]

That guy is an idiot!! Would he be like this if Bolt was an American? He needs to spend some time among Cariibean folks and get to realize that we love to celebrate

[marcia]

BIG UP LIGHTING BOLT U MAKE JAMAICA PROUD I WISH I WAS THERE CELEBRATING WITH U ALL

[o.b]

shouldn't the loser congrat the winner.throughout these track finals,i can't say i've seen any gold medalists congrats any losers...esp any americans.level the playing field.get real mr prez.