Daily Lesson from Life 20 August 2008

Usain Bolt from Jamaica struck again tonight! So NO HEADLINE from the Newspaper again!!

He broke the 200m Olympic and World record held by the great American runner, Michael Johnson, who just 24 hours ago said that Bolt is not ready to break his record yet when interviewed! Perhaps Michael meant to spur Bolt on sensing that he is the type of guy who cannot refuse a challenge or taunt!

I marvelled at his exuberant way of celebrating his record breaking feast but can sense that this young man may be having a big ego as he clowned his way around the stadium, or his unique way of celebrating. He kept mouthing he is No. 1. I hope this is just the reaction at the moment and not how he will see himself for the next few years or decades!

As I wrote a few days ago when Bolt broke the 100m record that he will be famous, or more famous, and that fame and fortune will probably follow him for a while. How he uses this opportunity to do good for as many people that care about athletics and track and field around the world will be his legacy on top of just being the fastest man over the 100m and 200m race.

When we cut the chase, sports people come and go, many do not leave a legacy beyond being known as the 'sports person'. He has the strength to rewrite old records and should have the strength to write a new chapter in his life and be remembered as a sporting champion and world record holder who has a vision beyond sports.

If not, I can already see him indulging in constant celebration and developing 'mega ego' and lost track with reality and be buried spent and used.

Usain Bolt, I salute your remarkable achievements at this Olympic Game over the 100m and 200m race. I wish you well and perhaps I can pass a copy of book: The 7e Way of Leaders to you. ;-)

May you be remembered for more than just the sprinter. You are young and had loads of opportunities to break new grounds!