Wednesday 12 September 2012

Brian Rattner Tries to Keep Up With Usain Bolt at the 2012 Olympics

Usain Bolt is the world’s fastest man. The six-time gold medalist and showman impressed the entire world when he ran all the way through the finish line on August 11, 2012 in the 4-by-100 relay team that propelling Jamaica to a new world record of 36.84 seconds. The Americans in fell to second place with an otherwise remarkable time of 37.04 seconds that was unable to defeat the 6’5” Jamaican.


Most of Bolt’s events are short and VERY fast – so much so they can be easy to miss. “Add together his six Olympic finals, and the world’s fastest man covered 800 meters in a little more than 75 seconds. Never before has a single athlete made such a powerful impression in so little time,” Slate.com reports

In addition to winning three gold medals in Beijing and three gold medals in London, Bolt has a tremendous love for the game and life. His athletic prowess combined with his electric personality filled the 80,000-seat stadium this year in London and crowds went nuts at the mere mention of his name, no matter what country they were rooting for. Not only did Bolt win the 4-by-100 meters relay, he also nabbed the yellow baton he was carrying for a souvenir – well he almost diduntil an official asked for it back against a chorus of booing from the excited crowds.

Well, about 40 minutes later, that same official appeared and handed Bolt the baton – a gesture Bolt returned with much theatrics, kissing the yellow stick and showing his appreciation. A great athlete and a showman.

The 25-year old Olympian has been compared to Michael Phelps in terms of his allure and athletic prowess.  While Phelps may have more gold medals than Bolt, Usain Bolt inspires nearly rabid enthusiasm from flag waving to emotional gestures from his countrymen and fans around the world. Like Phelps whose wing-like arm span has been dissected by countless media reports, Bolt’s long legs have been the subject of much discussion and speculation. 

So what now? Accomplishing so much at age 25 opens up the entire world for Bolt. There are rumors he may go back to his roots, and start training for the 400-meters (less blinking, more watching). Slate reports that Michael Johnson’s world record in the event, 43.18 seconds, has stood since 1999and may be in Bolt’s sights. Bolt has also expressed interest in the long jump.

No matter what, Usain Bolt seems to have an incredible talent for sportsmanship and showmanship and the two go together beautifully. The world will just have to wait and see what is in store for the lightning Bolt.

About the Writer: Brian Rattner is a  social entrepreneur and a successful Lawyer in Greater New York City  specializing in Debtor/Creditor issues, Contracts and Mortgage Foreclosures including both prosecution and defense. Rattner lives in the New York metro area.

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