Sportsmanship

Usain “lightening” Bolt now holds the world records in both the 100 and 200 meter events. He broke both records during the Beijing Olympics and seemed to do so with ease, and maybe a little arrogance.

As Usain neared the finish line of one of his races, he glanced around him to make sure no one was catching up and when he saw that he was decidedly in first place he slowed down and still managed to stay in first place. Once he crosses the finish line in first place, Bolt often celebrates with his signature “throwing a lightning bolt” pose. Many people consider his celebrations and his slowing down as insulting to the other runners.

Having good sportsmanship is very important these days, especially during the Olympics when the whole world comes together and countries compete with each other. Although many people have berated Bolt for his celebrations, don’t we all like to celebrate when something good happens? After someone breaks a world record or wins a gold medal, isn’t celebration expected and ok? What do you think about Bolt’s celebration – is it a little too much or completely fine?

I remember one time during a championship soccer game, the game was tied until 5 minutes before the end of the game. The other team then scored a contested goal – we thought it was offside and shouldn’t count but the referee called it for them and they ended up winning the game. When the game ended they celebrated so much and so obnoxiously that many people on my team ended up in tears.

What do you think about sportsmanship? Have you ever witnessed very sportsmanlike or unsportsmanlike actions? Comment below and tell me about them.