Bolt defines a legend

By Devon Dick

THERE WERE many who gave Usain Bolt the status of legend after running world-record times in the 100m, 200m and as part of the 4x100m relay in the Beijing Olympics. These were firsts which cannot be bettered, only equalled. But Bolt refused to accept the title of legend, claiming from then that he would have to repeat the feat in 2012. And even after world records in the Berlin World Championships in the 100m, 200m and a victory in the 4x100m relay, he still maintained he was not a legend. He was determining who a legend is and what accomplishments were necessary for him to be a legend.

Bolt's historic triple in marquee events in the Beijing Olympics of 2008 was repeated in London 2012, but with one world record in the relay and an Olympic record in 100m and the fourth-fastest time in history in the 200m. And he states that makes him a legend. And he is taking no chat from anyone about his status.

A legend in the dictionary sense means an unhistorical story which is believed. It can also mean an outstanding person who many persons admire. There is no precise definition of who is a sporting legend. Bolt has now defined it as being able to do what no one else has done over two consecutive Olympics in marquee multiple events.

NO NEED TO WAIT

Usually, the Western media wants to tell who is the greatest and who is a legend, but Bolt defiantly will not let them set the standard. He is not waiting on external affirmation. And it is good that he is not. Western media sports analysts will not listen to the opinion of Chinese or Russian or Trinidadian or Egyptian sports writers to help determine who a legend is. Hubert Lawrence, author, Gleaner sports writer, and arguably the most knowledgeable track and field commentator, will not be invited to the discussion to determine who a legend is.

After Bolt lost races at the National Trials, I heard some professionals state that they never did rate Bolt. Therefore, people are fickle and have their biases, so to wait on their affirmation is dangerous. We need to be confident in ourselves and our achievements and to state what we believe. Others are entitled to their definition of legend, and Bolt is entitled to define it. He is saying basically that he set himself certain goals and 'it is finished'.

TRUE VS FALSE HUMILITY

There are many who engage in false humility and will say they do not like to blow their own trumpets, and then go on to do just that. In any case, it is best to blow our own trumpets. Further, persons with inferiority complexes and a misunderstanding of humility will go to job interviews and fail to sell themselves and what they have done and can do, thus allowing lesser talents to be given preference for the job. True humility is being teachable and Bolt is always critical of his races, saying they are not perfect and he listens to his world-class coach, Glen Mills, about technique.

Bolt needs to be careful of the traps of the Western media as they will ask questions about controversial, sensitive, socio-political issues such as abortion, homosexuality, wars and poverty, etc. in order to trap him. And already they asked him, if he were not Usain Bolt, who would he want to be -Jesse Owens or Carl Lewis? He handled that well, but he failed to recognise that Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer.He should comment on athletics and pompous International Olympic Committee officials.

And Bolt's definition of a legend will be the standard by which others will be judged, because he defines legend and embodies what it is to be a legend.

Devon Dick is pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew. Send comments to columns@gleanerjm.com.