Sorry for missing this earlier this week but thank Outsports for the heads up. While the American media and much of the country has become completely obsessed around Michael Phelps—including several of the gay blogs—the International Sports Press Association names Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt the Athlete of the Year.
In a poll by the International Sports Press Association, journalists from 96 nations gave Bolt a narrow edge of 1673 points to 1557 over Phelps. Bolt won a three gold medals, setting world records in the 100 meters, 200 and 400 relay to become the star of Beijing's Bird's Nest stadium. In the Water Cube, Phelps was the outstanding star with a history-making eight golds in the pool for the United States.
There is absolutely no question both men are stellar athletes. Phelps' eight gold medal sweep was nothing short of amazing. But it was Usain Bolt who probably was the brightest star in Beijing, who broke every record in front of him, with three gold medals and three world records in sprints. Usain Bolt was a lightning bolt on the field.
Oh and there is always Usain Bolt's post-victory dance.
Sorry, not convinced Usain Bolt and the Jamaicans were not using roids.
Posted by: Strong Island | 09 January 2009 at 19:57
I'd have to agree. I wasn't a huge fan of the Jamaican team but there is no denying Usain Bolt is outstanding.
But he is nowhere near as hot as Michael Tratter and phine phine Asafa Powell.
Posted by: Lincoln Mall | 09 January 2009 at 19:58
I'm just glad Michael Phelps didn't get the title. This country has become obsessed around that closet ghey.
Posted by: Barry S | 09 January 2009 at 20:01
Barry S- boo, hiss.
But what i really wanted to say was that while Usain Bolt was amazing to watch and impressive almost beyond belief, his showboating was a little much. Ego is not actually a very attractive thing, especially in the Olympics.
Posted by: heather m | 09 January 2009 at 20:41
Heather, what are you booing and hissing at?
You wanted Miss Phelps to get the best athlete title? Or are you also in denial that the very "single" athlete who is "too busy" for girlfriends is closeted?
Posted by: Barry S | 09 January 2009 at 21:18
I'm going to agree with Heather.
Usain Bolt is an incredible athlete but he does get carried away sometimes. The little dance I don't mind but the gang signs or whatever that is he throws up ... grow up already.
Posted by: Ralph Davis | 09 January 2009 at 21:23
I was sad and disappointed the American team performed so....well, poorly i guess you can say. But Usain Bolt and the Jamaicans dominated and he is a phenomenal runner and athlete.
Posted by: Jason O | 09 January 2009 at 21:34
sour grapes ....Usain Bolt was clearly the athlete of the year. events were not rearranged so that he could attempt his 3 gld medals and his three records. Phelps was helped tremendously by arrangments allowing him to rest between races.
Usain was the best and i find his celebrations endearing
Posted by: nahtans | 09 January 2009 at 22:55
No but Usain Bolt and the island boys were "helped tremendously" by certain products, nahmean?
Posted by: Indio | 09 January 2009 at 23:36
what products ... curry goat, stew peas, ackee and saltfish, yam???
Posted by: nahtans | 10 January 2009 at 05:19
It wasn't gang signs...
Good choice!
Posted by: Rowan | 10 January 2009 at 11:14
@ nahtans
Ha! Ha!
Posted by: Rowan | 10 January 2009 at 11:15
Probably more like ... curry goat and jerk chicken stewed with testosterone or spiced with anabolics.
You know, those recipes really "help tremendously."
Posted by: Indio | 10 January 2009 at 13:41
Bolt is the best; he's the best...and he's gorgoeus
Posted by: kritzmoritz | 11 January 2009 at 11:17
Yall girls (and everyone else) knew Usain Bolt was on drugs. They boy ran 10.03 in June 07 and 9.6s in the Summer of 08. Cant be done without drugs.
Another Jamaican,400 Meter Hurdles Gold winner Melaine Walker was just an average 400 Hurdler in 2007. She ran like crazy in 2008.
No one ever heard of 100 meter winner Shelly-Ann Frazier (Jamaica) in 2007. She ran 10.78 to win in 2008.
Yall know something is wrong.
Posted by: Miss Thang | 11 January 2009 at 15:30
Stop hating. Is it hard to believe that an athlete can be naturally talented without taking steroids. (Guess previous American athletes got you twisted!)
Congratulations Usain. Keep doing your thing! Keep having FUN!!!
Posted by: LL | 22 January 2009 at 13:49