Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Michael Wilbon: Broken Records

Photo: The late Bob Hayes is the only man in history to win both the Olympic gold medal and a NFL Super Bowl ring. Today, Hayes is still denied enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his accomplishments.

Used to be the two greatest titles in sports were "Fastest Man in the World" and "Heavyweight Champion of the World." Each meant the holder was invincible the world over. This wasn't small potatoes, like winning a league or a national championship. These were planetary designations. All comers welcome. The titles were unassailable, unimpeachable. There were no questions to be asked. No doubt conveyed.

In the 1930s Ralph Metcalfe was the "Fastest Man in the World." Then it was Jesse Owens, then Willie Williams, then Bob Hayes (Florida A&M University). You could trace the times going back to Don Lippincott in 1912, and the results were gospel.

But not now. A 6-foot-5 Jamaican man named Usain Bolt ran the fastest time ever in the 100 meters the other night, 9.72 seconds....

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Wilbon makes a great point, as I believe the same thoughts crossed many of our minds after watching the video of Usain Bolt record setting runs (watch below, June 1st posts). Bolt is not the Barack Obama of the track world--and what did he accomplish before the past two weeks record setting runs? Sad to say, Bolt needs to prove he is not a druggie.

-beepbeep

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