Usain Bolt doesn't always win medals. But when he does, he prefers to win gold.
If Bolt were to step up to the podium following his 200-meter victory on Thursday and throw back a Dos Equis or two, it wouldn't have been surprising in the least. Not only does Bolt have that flamboyant, arrogant and care-free attitude that makes anything seem plausible, but he's quickly become the most interesting athlete in the world.
With Thursday's gold medal, Bolt has now swept the 100 meters and 200 meters in back-to-back Olympics, adding credence to the assumption that he's the fastest man on the planet. That success alone is enough to captivate a global audience — look no further than Michael Phelps, Aly Raisman and any other Olympian who excels at what he or she does. But Bolt is different. Much, much different.
Bolt transcends the Olympics. While the Jamaican sprinter's true time to shine on the track comes once every four years, the vibrant persona that Bolt has created defies logic when it comes to sports personalities.
In athletes, we love confidence but despise cockiness. There seems to be this intangible line that exists between the two traits, and it's a fine one. It's hard to put a finger on it exactly, but everyone seems to know when an athlete has effectively overstepped his or her boundary. The line between confidence and cockiness is also one that Bolt crossed long ago, and with each victory, celebration and declaration of greatness, he advances deeper and deeper into cocky territory, almost to the point where his flair could be described as arrogant.
Yet despite showing up opponents, boasting about how great he is and clearly stating his lack of respect for a U.S. Olympic legend, Bolt is not only an intriguing athlete, but he's one of the most likeable. Of course, Bolt has his share of haters (as does any athlete), but he's also revered by so many, regardless of the fact that he possesses qualities that are considered unsavory in most sports circles.
Bolt seems to contradict all preconceived notions about what is liked and disliked among today's athletes, and for that, he is the most interesting athlete on the face of the earth. No one else can throw so much caution to the wind, think so highly of himself and spew so much hyperbole, then not only get away with it all, but be held in even higher regard as a result.
Why is this the case? That's about as hard to put a finger on as the aforementioned line between confidence and cockiness. But if push comes to shove, the safe bet is that the reasoning lies in the amount of fun Bolt seems to have in everything he does. It seems like Little League logic, but there's something compelling about an athlete at least giving off the impression that he or she truly relishes the opportunity that's been put forth.
One would assume Bolt's personality has the potential to rub some the wrong way, but the world has found it hard to develop hatred for a guy who backs up what he says — all while flashing his pearly whites.
Bolt's criticism of Carl Lewis might add a few more players to the team of haters, but don't expect a mass exodus of supporters. As long as Bolt keeps "having fun" while doing all those other things that would otherwise tick people off, the love fest will continue.
Click here to see Usain Bolt's comments about Carl Lewis >>
Photo via Twitter/@AnupKaphle
