Jamaica's Usain Bolt Captivates World Athletics Fans
Jamaican Usain Bolt is making his case for being the greatest sprinter of all-time at the World Athletics Championships in Germany. In addition to his enormous talent, there are many other facets to the young runner’s personality.
Who exactly is Usain Bolt? The facts are easy. He is from Jamaica, 1.96 meters tall, has a charismatic smile and celebrated his 23rd birthday Friday. And in his last five major finals going back to the Olympics, he has won five gold medals and set five world records.
On first impression, Bolt may seem to be a show-off. He smiles at the television cameras, sticks out his tongue with antic poses and hand gestures, strikes his “lightning bolt” pose, and tells reporters that he is on his way “to being a legend.”
He can take another step in that direction Saturday when the Jamaican four-by-100 relay team is expected to give Bolt a chance for his sixth straight gold. But then another side of Bolt becomes apparent. The team must qualify Friday, and despite being the favorites, Bolt told VOA Sports he respects all of his competitors and takes nothing for granted. Continue reading…