Thursday, August 21, 2008

Lightning Bolt and Cricket

Usain Bolt, the Jamaican track phenom, loves cricket, Australia, and Matthew Hayden:
"I can't wait to come to Australia and I'm trying to find a way to get down there because it sounds great and you're fun people," Bolt said.

"And one of my favourite cricketers in the world is from your way. I am a huge fan of Matty Hayden and he's a cool customer out in the middle and I like his style."
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Bolt is a cricket fanatic and played the sport as a teenager in the cricket loving Caribbean island.

Hayden has never met the dual gold medallist and was flattered his name was mentioned just moments after Bolt broke Michael Johnson's 12-year-old world record in the 200m..

"Just to see him dance and carry on is truly inspirational and for him to have me in his mind is just so humbling," Hayden told Channel 7.
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Hayden intends sending Bolt a signed cricket bat and wants to meet the Jamaican speed machine when he visits Australia. [LINK]

Also, running was not Bolt's first passion. Perhaps Windies cricket has lost a potential superstar. Although, a fast runup doesn't necessarily equate to a great bowler:
But Bolt wasn't always set to be a sprinter. Cricket was his first love. He stood out as a fast bowler playing for William Knibb High School in Trelawny, and only ditched his cricket whites when his coach, seeing how fast he could run, suggested he have a go at athletics. [LINK]

And a message to the Jacques Rogge and the IOC - STFU!!! Let Usain celebrate - everyone loves it, save some out-of-touch stuckup suits whose goal is to take the fun out of everything (shades of ICC, huh?). If you have any balls, bring up the issue of 12 and 13 year olds playing for China. Then I'll give you some credibility around sportsmanship. He's 21 years old, he's done something no one has ever done before, and he hasn't disrespected anyone. Sure he could be more gracious (as could anyone). But for the IOC's head to single him out, that's just pathetic!

Usain...ignore the IOC! With all due respect to 10CC and their song Dreadlock Holiday, I think the entire world will agree with me if I add this line to the song...

"I say we don't like Lightning...oh no...we love him!!!"

Make your pitch on this post...



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4 Pitched:

  1. Jrod said...
     

    Does liking Hayden mean he is a christian. Not another one.

  2. SledgeHammer said...
     

    Is Hayden a particularly religious guy? I had no idea.

    But Bolt does make a cross before running, so I do believe he is Christian. Good for him! If that helps him get his success, go for it. As long as he keeps his religion personal, I'm cool with it.

  3. Anonymous said...
     

    A good Olympics for Christians then.

    We had one who got bronze in the 1500.

    He said his run came from the soul.



    Wherever that is.

  4. SledgeHammer said...
     

    OK, so the IOC is doing some
    investigation into Chinese gymnasts ages. [read: I have to eat my words! ;)]

    But actions speak louder than words, so let's see the IOC take action. It's obvious those girls are not 16.

    Pakistan cricket uses wrist tests to determine the age of its cricketers for age-restricted tournaments. Apparently dental tests can also be used. IOC (and other sport organizations) might want to use the same thing when there is controversy.

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