IOC president criticises Usain Bolt for lack of respect
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Usain Bolt celebrates after winning the 100m in a world record time of 9.69sec. (Marc Aspland/The Times)
Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has accused Usain Bolt of showing a lack of respect to fellow competitors following his record-breaking gold medal performances in Beijing.
Despite comparing Bolt to Jesse Owens, after the Jamaican became the first man
in 24 years to complete the Olympic blue riband double of the 100 and 200
metres, Rogge criticised the 6ft 5in sprinter for gesturing and flaunting as
he celebrated his victories.
"That's not the way we perceive being a champion," Rogge said. "I
have no problem with him doing a show but 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."
Having built a huge lead in Saturday's 100m final, Bolt slowed, glanced around with arms outstretched and pounded his chest before crossing the finish line in a world record time of 9.69 seconds.