Usain Bolt failed to defend his world championship title today at the world championships in Daegu, South Korea, but not because he wasn't the fastest runner. Bolt was disqualified in today's 100 meter final race for a false start, shocking fans and broadcasters alike.
From the video, it was obvious that Usain Bolt did jump the gun. However, in past years racers were given another chance after a false start. The current rule states that one false start is an automatic disqualification. Bolt knew this as soon as it happened, causing him to rip off his shirt in frustration.
You have to wonder if this will cause officials to take another look at the "one-and-done" rule with regards to false starts. After all, it can't be a good thing if the takeaway from the world championship race is not who won, but who lost. (By the way, the winner of the race was Bolt's fellow countyman, Jamaica's Yohan Blake).
Just goes to show that even the top athletes make mistakes once in a while if they lose their focus. The best thing that Usain Bolt can do is use this as a learning tool to get himself back on track for next year's Olympics.
Usain Bolt False Start 2011 [Sports Grid]
From the video, it was obvious that Usain Bolt did jump the gun. However, in past years racers were given another chance after a false start. The current rule states that one false start is an automatic disqualification. Bolt knew this as soon as it happened, causing him to rip off his shirt in frustration.
You have to wonder if this will cause officials to take another look at the "one-and-done" rule with regards to false starts. After all, it can't be a good thing if the takeaway from the world championship race is not who won, but who lost. (By the way, the winner of the race was Bolt's fellow countyman, Jamaica's Yohan Blake).
Just goes to show that even the top athletes make mistakes once in a while if they lose their focus. The best thing that Usain Bolt can do is use this as a learning tool to get himself back on track for next year's Olympics.
Usain Bolt False Start 2011 [Sports Grid]
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
