I stared at the television in absolute awe after the Men’s Olympics 100 meters sprint, embracing and relishing that very moment. I had not only witnessed history but had also seen a Bolt of Lighting flashed across Beijing’s Bird’s Nest Stadium almost as invincible as light. Usain Bolt had taken a human being to a speed of 10.319 meters per second.
The man not only set a new world record timing, he smashed his own world record timing of 9.72 seconds set in May. The scoreboard flashed 9.69, 9.69 seconds! For those who do not share my astonishment or seem oblivious to sporting records, just imagine running ten meters in under a second, need I further elaborate the height of sporting brilliance?
When Bolt realized that he had the race in his pocket and was way ahead of the chasing seven, he indulged in a bit of showmanship before hitting the tape. Bolt slowed down and shifted his focus towards the spectators with arms slightly wide opened instead of focusing on a full-speed finish. His non-verbal action implied a “catch me if you can” pose and I felt it expressed the confidence and pride he possesses. A clearer picture would be on the Straits Times issue on August 17th where it pictured the Jamaican “mocking” the other runners with his flamboyant yet teasing pose prior to the finishing line.
"Catch me if you can"
The aftermath celebrations were even more theatrical, his infamous gesture, one arm pulled back and the other reaching forward portraying an archer shooting upwards was to me an indication that he had risen to the pinnacle of the fastest man in the universe. With that, I perceived Bolt as saying to himself “Lighting Bolt shoots down Swift Seven”, and no one ought to disagree. Actions such as Mr. 9.69 kneeling before the crowd, right hand on his chest and his left extended outwards as if to thank his fans and the Jamaican people signified the importance this race meant to him.
The image of the 2008 Olympics
On a personal note, I disagree with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) interpretation of Bolt’s gestures as having a lack of respect for his opponents. The IOC president Jacques Rogge was quoted as saying “That’s not the way we perceive a champion, I think he should show more respect for his competitors and shake hands…….” That could be considered an Interactive model of communication with feedback on Bolt's non-verbal message, which could possibly be due to Jacques's view on ideal sportsmanship after the race. The Belgian, jacques, possibly has a less upbeat and more modest character compared to that of the outgoing "reggae come punk rocked influenced" (cultural influence) Bolt. However, I believe being the fastest ever throughout the chronicles of mankind deserves some sort of a majestic celebration. It is impossible to identify with that immediate uncontrollable feeling of exuberance and ecstasy of having the World at your feet unless one has experienced (influences feedback) glory at such level. I can safely say Mister Jacques never did except for a few Olympic yachting experiences and a stint with the Belgian Rugby team, not quite the same level as Bolt’s annus mirabillis.
On that historical night in the Forbidden City, Bolt was innocently showing the watchful eyes of the World the uncontainable joy of being crowned the “World’s fastest ever man alive”. As from this very moment, London awaits the lighting that is Jamaica’s Golden Boy. Any thoughts on this one?
Sources : 1)The Strait Times
Thursday, August 21, 2008 Pg B10
Author - Marc Lim
2) The Strait Times
Friday, August 22, 2008 Pg B23
