11th of a second #bolt

“The Fox knows many things, but the Hedgehog knows one big thing” #Archilochus, Greek philosopher
During 2012 Olympics, Usain Bolt paused his interview to respect the national anthem of United States that had started playing.
And that got me thinking; can a person who has reached the level of becoming a champion, be an average human? or are the two intricately related?
There is a very interesting line that actor Ethan Hawke said — If I keep polishing my performance, as a domino effect, I will polish myself as a person (paraphrased)
Bolt is not from Oxford, neither is he a Stanford drop out. He comes from the poorest village in Jamaica where his parents run a grocery store. He went to a local school. His village has bad roads and water conditions. Men move around on donkeys and children spend their time playing- just like any Indian village.
Bolt’s gold medals have gone to help the village get water and build roads. Also, millions have been donated to his old school for sports equipments. (some of the information on the net.. )
In a span of under 15 years, a child running around the village has become a champion with a net worth of $60 million. He endorses some of the best brands, from Puma to Hubolt. He is the only runner in the history with a record of Gold in all three races (100, 200, 400), in three consecutive Olympics (2009, 2012, 2016).
Attitude
While trying to understand Bolt’s technique of running, I came across this very informative article in posemethod.com, which describes his running as light, playful, relaxed, and impressively powerful.
(it also mentions about how he uses external factors like gravitational torque to his advantage!)
Bolt turns his disadvantages around
Bolt’s 6 5’’ height and the curvature of his spine (sclerosis) could have been a huge disadvantage, but he keeps his core and back strong to keep the sclerosis at bay.
Also, tall athletes combine a long step length with a step frequency to run the fastest.
Bolt being the fastest, obviously uses this combination to maximize his performance.
Pushing oneself consistently (inside out)
Bolt inspires me: No matter where you come from, no matter what your social, economic standing is in the world, if you have the grit, the ability to consistently push your limits and use them to your advantage; you do not need to sit on someone. Your highest potential guides you!
In 2007, world championships, Bolt finished 100 meters in 10.03 seconds
In May 3, 2008, he finished in 9.76 seconds
Four weeks later in Newyork, he finished in 9.72 seconds.
In 2008, Olympics, he finished in 9.69 seconds
In 2009 world championships, 9.58 seconds, 11th of a second faster than his last 100 m. (9.69 sec)
(He aims to touch 9.4 seconds)
By pushing himself consistently he turns the competition, inwards- the other person’s speed does not determine my speed.
It’s not just about strengthening the transverse abdominis.
Bolt makes me think about the core as beyond a muscle. A Core from where the energy comes from. Core from where the best of scientists, sportsmen, artists, and out performers work.
And when Bolt outperforms his own self, is he also outperforming himself as a person?
And are the two related!
Respect
When Bolt stops for the national anthem, he makes the world take notice of him. But is that it.. trending on twitter, increasing your instagram followers?
Can the smallest gesture of respect and kindness (irrespective of country, tribe, gender, age) strengthen one as a person and hence the core, and as a domino effect their performance in their field??
“Anything is possible, i don’t think limits” #Bolt
(All the info on Bolt is from the Internet: the guardian, pose.com, Britannica.com etc)