runnerboy3musk wrote:
So if this is unsportsmanlike, then what do we do about Usaine Bolt celebrating 40 meters before the finish in Beijing? We call him a true showman who has brought much attention to track and field.
To Matt Centrowitz, killer race. Next time do a back hand spring after you blow everyone's doors off. I bet it brings T&F closer to the mainstream.
I don't think people are concerned with the celebrating. I think they are concerned with the manner of his celebrating. His celebration was directed at his competitors (I know, not literally "directed" since he wasn't facing them), rather than focused on his achievement. That's the difference. It can be interpreted as a lack of respect. If he did do a back hand spring as you suggest, then I don't think he would have received as much of a negative response. I don't know the guy and will give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he's a fun guy who got caught up in the moment. But, he should still be willing to accept the negative feedback he'll get from it. If being a BA has become synonymous with showing a lack of respect, then I don't think BA is what anyone should strive for. You should still be able to be a BA and show respect at the same time.
And for people who say "people complaining about this are why track isn't popular" have got to be kidding themselves. I agree, personality and spunk are needed in the sport, but there are a lot of ways to do that without doing something that can be viewed as disrespectful.
And if the lack of things like this are responsible for the condition of track's unpopularity, then I would say an increase in the popularity of these actions are responsible for the condition of our society.