Finding new Bolt could take 20 years

Source: China Daily | 08-22-2008 11:01

Jamaican coach Don Quarrie said yesterday it may take the Caribbean island another 20 years to produce an athlete like double sprint gold medalist Usain Bolt "but we will".

He insisted Bolt, celebrating his 22nd birthday yesterday, had not been showboating when he won the 100m and was not being disrespectful to other runners, an accusation leveled at him by International Olympic Committee chief Jacques Rogge.

Reveling in Jamaica's rich sprinting tradition that has now been converted into gold at the Beijing Games, Quarrie said: "The seed has been sown now. I am sure there are kids running around in Jamaica wanting to be Usain Bolt."

"Now that Usain Bolt has done this, it may take us another 20 years to produce an athlete as outstanding as him - but we will," he told reporters.

Quarrie certainly was speaking as the voice of experience. He is the last man, back in the 1970s, to hold both the 100m and 200m world records simultaneously, like Bolt now does after his Bird's Nest wins.

Rogge hailed Bolt, saying he was now on a par with great US sprinter Jesse Owens but he called on the Jamaican to show more respect to his fellow competitors.

Rogge was referring to Bolt's effortless 100m win on Saturday in 9.69 sec when he pounded his chest before crossing the finishing line.

Quarrie defended his compatriot, saying his celebrations were just youthful high spirits.

"There was no showboating on his part," Quarrie said.

"Usain, being a young man, is still maturing. He was just enthusiastic, very happy. There was never any animosity. It came from within. What he does - there is nothing negative for the sport. He was just so overwhelmed at what was going on.

"He is funny, playful, happy and that is what came out after he ran."

Editor:Wang Shuqin