Sports

When 'Freak' is a term of respect - Gay on Bolt

by LotusFlower | July 19, 2009 at 06:10 am

209 views | 37 Recommendations | 4 comments

As the world looks forward to the clash between the two fastest runners on earth one them has been calling the other 'freak' and 'beast'.

But this is not intended as insulting says Tyson Gay for it is he speaking about the phenomenon that is Usain Bolt - the current Olympic champion and 100m world record holder.

He claims that his comments are borne out of deep respect for Bolt but when they hit the track in Berlin in 4 weeks time he needs to be aware that his words might only serve to quicken Bolt up a little more and Gay could find himself looking at Bolt's rear as he crosses the line as world champion.

Simon Turnbull serves up an in depth interview with Gay in the Independent that throws insight on the rivalry between Gay and Bolt and the pressure too on Gay from an expectant US fan base.

"I give respect where respect is due," Gay says, speaking from his European summer base in Munich, ahead of his appearance in the Aviva London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace next week – he runs in the 200m on Saturday, Bolt in the 100m on Friday. "This guy deserves due respect. What he does out on the track is stuff that other people can't do – whether he slows down, whether he runs through the line. And no one has ever run as fast as him.

"So I give respect where respect's due. And that, right there, motivates me as well, to train harder and be the best I can be and reach goals that no one has ever done before."

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sara star

at 08:30 on July 19th, 2009

Language can be so deceiving, the same word can mean different things. It is a matter of context, and communication.

Roy C

at 08:39 on July 19th, 2009

Great rivalry between that two people who represent that "X" marks the spot of genetics, psychology and training methods.

The press do this constantly- take words out of context and turn them into whatever they want the words to push, something that will sell and something that puts down someone who is smarter and of better character than the typical journalist.

sara star

at 10:15 on July 19th, 2009

You are so right Roy! But I am glad not everyone is like this. Everyone has to discern for themselves who/what they chose to read. I rarely watch TV news anymore.

LotusFlower

at 06:54 on July 20th, 2009

The two runners really do respect each other I think and I also feel that they will use the rivalry and respect in equal measures to try and squeeze the best in terms of performance on the big day. The rivalry also makes for a good 'show' and all that that brings in terms of media coverage and endorsements for both of them and the sport of athletics. I'm looking forward to the championship!