Rogge raps Bolt

BEIJING (AP):

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, Jacques Rogge, criticised Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt yesterday for showing a lack of respect for other competitors after his record-breaking gold medal performances in the 100 and 200 metres.

"That's not the way we perceive being a champion," Rogge said.

The IOC chief hailed Bolt's stunning achievements in the two sprints, comparing him to American great Jesse Owens, but said Bolt should have cut the look-at-me flaunting and acknowledged the other athletes.

"I have no problem with him doing a show," Rogge said in an interview with three international news agency reporters. "I think he should show more respect for his competitors and shake hands, give a tap on the shoulder to the other ones immediately after the finish and not make gestures like the one he made in the 100 metres."

Having built a huge lead in Saturday's 100 final, Bolt slowed, glanced around with arms out-stretched and pounded his chest before crossing the finish line in a world-record time of 9.69 seconds.

"I understand the joy," Rogge said. "He might have interpreted that in another way, but the way it was perceived was 'catch me if you can'. You don't do that. But he'll learn. He's still a young man."