Usain Bolt: Greatest Athlete or Greatest Ego? - Joe Chacon's Blog

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Usain Bolt: Greatest Athlete or Greatest Ego? Stuck

Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:55 PM.

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As the 2012 Olympic Games wind down, we now start to take a look back and highlight some of the greatest accomplishments that have taken place.

We've discussed everything here at OS from Michael Phelps, to the USA Basketball Team, and from Women's Gymnastics to the Asian Badminton teams.

What about Usain Bolt, the self-proclaimed "greatest athlete to live"?

Following his 200M gold medal finish, Bolt had this to say about his performance:

Quote:


	"I'm also the greatest athlete to live. I am in the same category as Michael Johnson. I'm honoured. It's all about Michael Johnson for me. I grew up watching him break world records. He's a great athlete."

Is there anything wrong with Bolt proclaiming he is the greatest ever? Well, not entirely, but that would lead us down a very blurry road.

Bolt states he's the greatest athlete to live. Not the greatest sprinter or runner, but rather the greatest "athlete". When one states "athlete" that then opens the floodgates for comparison to every participant to ever play a sport.

We're no longer comparing Bolt to Michael Johnson. We are now comparing him to LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps, Walter Payton, etc.

Is Usain Bolt the greatest sprinter of all-time? Based upon results alone, I can agree with that. But to say he is the best athlete that ever lived? I don't think so.

OS Voice: Usain Bolt says he is the greatest athlete to have ever lived. Do you agree with him?

Joe Chacon is a staff writer for Operation Sports and a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @JoeChacon.

Comments

# 1 BEARYChi @ Aug 10

USAIN BOLT = KANYE WEST

# 2 Joobieo @ Aug 10

Greatest sprinter of all time yes. Greatest Athlete no hes not.

# 3 spottieottiedop @ Aug 10

I think he is almost there. If he can 3peat the 100 and 200m in Rio, he will have the longevity in my book.

# 4 DubTrey1 @ Aug 10

Great runner, yes. Even greater ego and mouth. Still owns everyone though.... for now.

# 5 Joey323 @ Aug 10

He is actually a very humble person. You would know that if you actually kept up with him. This is one quote. I wouldn't say he has a big ego over that one quote.

# 6 theprocess @ Aug 10

@BEARYChi - Humble Jordan would like a word with you.

# 7 joefrommo117 @ Aug 10

Usain Bolt is the modern Muhammad Ali IMO. Many boxing purists don't believe Ali's the greatest of all time, but he was the best of his time and he had such swagger that he was more than just a boxer - he was an entertainer. I think Bolt's the same. Is he the greatest athlete ever? I don't know, and I don't really care. He is the best right now, one of the greats of all time, and a true entertainer.

# 8 Joe Chacon @ Aug 10

@joefrommo117 That's a great summary, Joe! Fits perfect.

# 9 liberaluser @ Aug 10

I think this statement was a shot at his critics. Guys like Carl Lewis who accuse him of doping instead of using his natural talent. But considering that probably over 60% of Olympic athletes dope today, it's a moot point.

# 10 shadthedad @ Aug 10

He's the tallest sprinter to ever compete. You add 3 inches to Gatlin's height and Usain gets smoked! He's the probably the greatest to compete at the 200, but he can be beat in the 100 (to slow off the blocks and not enough time to open up his stride).

# 11 onac22 @ Aug 11

He is fast and I can't run that fast. However if there was as much money and media attention given to track year round, as there is in other major pro sports in America, I think a couple guys out there could run him down.

# 12 ps3veron @ Aug 11

Well look he does have a bit of an ego but then again didn't Ali declare the same some 45 years back or so?

The man does have talent and honestly he is the fastest man alive.

I don't like egocentrics but I know I can't out run him, let him enjoy his well deserved spot light.

# 13 gigadkc @ Aug 11

@liberaluser: 60%? I think 95% is more accurate

# 14 thetrueBROSKY @ Aug 12

you guys are kidding me right?
you actually think your american sprinters can catch him??? (im from Canada btw)
this guy is among the greatest athletes of all-time, and outside the five major sports and boxing, he is the best of the remaining....better than Carl Lewis (who im not so sure was ever "clean") and Donovan Bailey (Johnson who?)
gimmie a break.....yeah love the US....but give the guy some love...he doesnt sprint all the way through and still beats everyone easily (watch the 100m and 200m again and tell me he didnt slow up)

# 15 poilbrun @ Aug 12

My thought was that he meant athlete as in competing in athletics. So I don't think he's comparing himself to Phelps or Jordan...

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