When Usain Bolt obliterated the 100 meter and 200 meter records in the Beijing Olympic Games, he was deemed the savior of athletics, and rightfully too.
Five of the previous 100 meter events were overshadowed by doping controversies. Carl Lewis won the 1984 title, but failed a drugs test at the Olympic trials in 1988. The winner of the '88 crown, Ben Johnson, tested positive for steroids, soon after winning, and that race is known as the dirtiest race in history; 1992 winner Linford Christie tested positive in 1999, while 2000 champion Maurice Greene admitted to taking drugs. 2004 champ Justin Gatlin also tested positive and was given a ban.
So the momentous weight on Bolt's shoulders to bring back sprint athletics back to the spotlight for the right reasons was taken lightly by the Jamaican. He won the 100 metres in record time, even having the gumption to showboat before crossing the line.
The Jamaican machine then went on to beat Michael Johnson's 200 meter record, which many thought was unbreakable. There was never a shadow of a doubt in anyone's mind about drugs. This man was a phenom in every sense of the word and he had just ended the dark days of athletics.
Many already consider Bolt to be the greatest athlete of all-time. Nobody has had such an impact in track and field as Bolt; his demeanour off and on the track attracting fans from all around the world. He is the best-paid track and field athlete ever, making over $15 million in endorsements last year.
"I'm just trying to be true to my personality," Bolt said. "This is what the sport needs and I think that is why the people love me so much."
However, things have not gone so smoothly for the Jamaican off late. His false start in the World Championships last year left everyone stunned and gave the opening to a certain "Beast" Yohan Blake. While he went on to win the 200 meter title, Blake is the one with the ascendancy going into the London Olympics.
Bolt, himself, has said several times, that for him to be considered among the greatest, he needs to defend his Olympic titles.
However, this year's race is not as cut and dry as the one four years ago. Blake, who beat Bolt in the 100 meters and the 200 meters at the Jamaican Olympic Trials, is the form runner. There is also former world record holder Asafa Powell to contend with, as well as the second fastest man Tyson Gay and the returning Justin Gatlin, who won the US Olympic trials.
Bolt ran with a small injury at the Trials, which is probably why he lost so comfortably to Blake. A fully fit and focused Bolt, after all, is next-to-impossible to beat.
The field this year is undoubtedly the strongest in decades, and four men and injuries stand in Bolt's way from becoming the undisputed greatest sprinter of all-time.
Some would say that is a walk in the park for the great man. Come August 5, we will find out for sure.
