Chennai: Whether it’s Beijing or London or Rio de Janeiro, the result is the same. He is invincible. It’s high time he underwent a test to validate his membership among homo sapiens. Usain Bolt of Jamaica nailed the 100 metres at the Rio Olympics on Sunday to become the first athlete to complete a hat trick in the blockbuster event. It could well be an eternal record because maintaining form and fitness to win four Olympic titles on the trot is as inconceivable as it appears impossible.
In 120 years since their inception, the modern Olympics haven’t seen a speedier, hungrier and more entertaining athlete. The consummate showman buried all doubts about his ability to win the shortest distance on the grandest stage with a late flourish. The time has come to halt all debates about the greatest athlete in Olympic history. It is USAIN ST LEO BOLT. Period.
Bolt has the knack of rising to the occasion. After a poor start, it took only 9.81 seconds for the lovable Jamaican to attain immortality in the ancient sport of athletics. Who cares about the start when the end is perfect. Bolt allowed Justin Gatlin about 70 metres of illusory hope before devouring the American with his legendary long strides. The world record holder even had time to slap his chest in jubilation before the finish for his seventh Olympic gold.
As Bolt had said before the Rio Olympics, athletics needed him to succeed because a victory for the dope-tainted Gatlin would have made many people uncomfortable. The Jamaican isn’t finished yet in Rio as he is chasing gold in the 200m and 4x100m relay to complete a “triple triple”.
