BLOG 144 USAIN BOLT
Netflix got me again, this time with a great documentary
called, “I Am Bolt”. This movie explored the running career of the world’s
fastest man, Usain Bolt from Jamaica. There is certainly a gap between this man
and the rest. He’s naturally a champion and he’s says it’s all for making
people smile. His tall stature and fun energy make him lovable, but best of
all, he just runs…. no drama, no politics, just the sport. He’s that much
better than everyone else.
Bolt has a triangle team that helps him. His coach is Glen
Mills, is an ordinary man who always reminds Bolt to take control, there’s no
pressure, and to just run. He is like a second father to him. NJ is the name of
his best friend who is also his manager. He might be the most influential
person in his life and the brotherhood is mutually beneficial. Finally, his
agent is another important member. They’re the folks that make him work. In
fact, his training is sort of barbaric. Like an ox he drags weights behind him
on the dirt field. He cuts up his legs with his cleats on a daily basis.
His running started in 2002 at age 15, where he won the
World Jr. Championships. Some of Bolt’s titles include the 4x World Champion of
the 100 and 200 meter races. 2007 is when he broke the World Record the 1st
time.
Injuries have cost him setbacks along the way, but
realistically he still wins when he comes back. Due to his scoliosis he does
have lower back and hip issues. But Bolt is his own worst enemy when he’s not
motivated, not necessarily his injuries.
The Jamaican team has also won the 4x4 relay with him.
Justin Gatlin of the USA is probably his closest form of competition. Justin is
a talker and Bolt hates that, but uses it as fuel for the fire. The catch would
be that although Gatlin is fast, he also was caught in 2006 using performance
enhancing drugs, somewhat tainting his abilities.
Bolt is an athlete like no other with his ability to basically
out run anyone. He has now retired, saying he looks forward to normalcy and
eating what he wants. He feels like he sacrificed a lot but it was all worth
it. What a site to watch him run. He will remain among the Michael Jordans and
Babe Ruths we will never forget.
“I Am Bolt”, 2016, Benjamin Turner & Gabe Turner
