Usain Bolt: The Epitome of Greatness

Usain Bolt!

What more can I say that hasn’t already been said before.  Pick an adjective to describe his greatness and I’m quite certain that I’ve heard it used by someone to describe him at some point in the last week or so. Since 2008, he has been undisputed fastest man the world. Let that sink in for a moment...

That’s just about a 9 year span. One man and one man only has had the undisputed crown as the fastest man in the world and there hasn’t been anyone close enough to challenge him and is crown.  I don’t think I can quite put into words how great of an accomplishment that really is.

As with all things that interest me, especially the display of greatness by an individual in a particular field, I do research on it.  I want to know more.  I want to learn more.  I want to put it in context.  I want to see what their peers and contemporaries are saying about them.  I just want to have more information in general so I can better discuss the topic and have the necessary facts to defend/promote the greatness if need be (even though I think greatness needs no defense, but then again I do wonder what Lebron James has to say about that).

In my extensive research and perusal of the internet, I stumbled upon a video I believe epitomizes the greatness of Usain Bolt.  There are some things he says in the video that are simple amazing and could not have been scripted.  They could only come from someone who is great and knows they’re great at what they do.

Watch this… Usain Bolt - How to Win the 100m.

In this video he describes how he runs his 100m races.  Did you watch the towards the end of the video? His confidence is of supreme form and who are we to tell him any different (his competitors included). He says that in the last 10m of the race “...no matter who you are, no matter what you’re doing, no matter how focused you are, no matter how ready you think you are, you’re not going to catch me…” That’s simply greatness at its best.

There are several other points in the video that capture the greatness, but one other part that stands out to me is the part at the 1:13 mark when he talks about making his second check in the race.  What stands out to me is not that he’s making a check (for the second time at that) when according to my limited but researched knowledge, you’re just supposed to focus on the finish line and run full steam ahead because checking left or right may slow you down; it’s the question he asks after making that check that puts me in awe.  He says …”check to the right, check to the left, CAN I STOP RUNNING?”

Once again let that sink in...

The man is asking himself if he can coast.  Everyone else is gassing themselves out trying to get to the finish line and he’s trying to determine if he can coast and start enjoying the spoils of victory.

I could go on and about Usain Bolt’s greatness but you catch my drift. Watch the video yourself and let me know what aspects stand out to you as well.  Do you have any videos, articles, or anecdotes of your own you’d like to share? If so, please do.  Greatness needs go be celebrated not questioned.

Magnificent Su