When I first started following athletics Britain's middle distance running was at its height with Seb Coe, Steve Cram and Steve Ovett. Although we had Allan Wells and Carl Lewis was dominating in the US somehow I never really got sprinting, possibly because it is all about speed and not tactics. Ben Johnson didn't help either.
Usain Bolt is different. He is an outstanding athlete in a time which is once again tainted. He is a showman but has the ability so he can carry it off. He makes people laugh with him. He can act the clown but you never doubt his competitiveness, his ability nor his desire.
I'm not going to watch the relay live. At least I don't think I am because in many ways I am sated with live sport and athletics. The last two days at the Engenho stadium will stay with me for the rest of my life. A lot of that is due to the athletics but it's also due to Mr Bolt.
Wednesday night saw the semif-final of the Men's 200m. Semi-finals aren't formally announced. Race is called and athletes appear so there was a sudden roar as the crowd spotted that Bolt was on his way. A casual jog round to the start of the 200m, a bit of a wave. I like the way he acknowledges the fans unlike many of the swimmers and then down to work. There's so much to do before a race starts. You tend not to see that on TV as there is so much to cover. The athletes adjust their blocks, settle in, test, adjust & sprint. There's last minute runs before you see them on the blocks. There have been very few races that there is absolute silence (other than the beat of bass, see decathlon posts) but there is for Bolt. The world awaits...
Wednesday Bolt took off, cheers & excitement. Looked like he was slowing down, was he going to be caught? No, he was just saving himself. The crowd were on their feet throughout the race, the noise was phenomenal. Bolt was in the building. Little celebration afterwards - why would there be? The final was still to come.
The race however that should have made the finals had Gatlin & Gemilli. Bolt unites the audience, Gatlin divides it and there were boos. At the conclusin, Gemilli through but astonishment that Gatlin was out. For all Bolt's showmanship & pacing himself, you feel that it is because he is carefully working out how much effort he needs. I do not believe that he would ever risk losing, like a Rolls Royce he just goes into another smooth gear.
Day 2 = Bolt no showed for the 4 x 100m relay. Guess he had enough to do with the 2000m but the team won and again you don't realise the preparation that goes on. Athletes put sticky tape on the ground measured out by going foot against foot, presumably to guide their team mates before they reach them on distance as the team member taking over the baton have official marks as to where they can start.
It's also true that TV is actually a lot better for relays than live. It's all a blur and you can only see one change if it's in front of you and difficult to make out on big screens. There are few repeats other than the finish. I was there but in the wrong place for the US, Brasileiro & Dutch problems. I did see the US run their race again. The crowd cheered them on but I'm not so sure. Stuff happens in racing, it's how you deal with it and demanding a rerun is that really the answer? I find by checking my sources that USA have won but I can't be overjoyed for them. China didn't get the chance to run & Brasil ended up disqualified. Perhaps occasionally it would serve the US to come over as good losers.
The race of the day was the men's 400m hurdles. The top 5 all achieved records or personal bests. Must be hard not to get a medal when you are so close but hopefully no regrets because you gave your all.
And so that 200m final. The razzmattaz that introduces a final borke out and Adam Gemilli shot out. First to the blocks, Bolt came out half way through. Definitely the showman was out as the acknowledged the crowd. He took a long ime over his blocks before the camera introduced him and he did his clown bit. Can't say I blame him. Athletes must feel really self-conscious with the cameras in their faces at that stage. Swimmers don't have the problem of a camera going past them as they wait Time to settle, the routine goes. Bang, cheers, applause, bass ... Yes, Bolt wins in a season's best but he isn't pleased. He waves his hands at the crowd requesting silence. No chance. They've witnessed athletics greatness. I waited until he came round. Stopped and waved. i didn't see the Bolt. I made a Bolt for home but I was there the night that Usain Bolt won his 3rd consecutive 200m Olympic Gold Medal.
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