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USAIN BOLT : UNBEATABLE LEGEND

WHY USAIN BOLT

IS AN UNBEATABLE LEGEND

Timothy Mottram

his is an extraordinary career structures. One study found that 6’5, Bolt is the tallest sprinter in
Tthat is coming to a close and we Jamaicans tend to have much more the history of the sport. And as
are very excited, of course, that that symmetry in their joints than do its fastest, sports scientists have
career will close fittingly in a World their European counterparts. But been forced to re-think this theory.
Championships stadium. If you Bolt has one further advantage in One reason for his height being an
look at his record, everywhere and that his natural symmetry had to advantage is that he has a greater
everything that he (Bolt) has done, be reinforced at an early age. In skin surface than other racers. This
he has always been the best.” - IAAF his teens, it was discovered that has the effect that he can disperse
President Sebastian Coe Bolt had a mild case of scoliosis, heat from the body faster and more
Sebastian Coe’s sentiments are a spinal condition that results in efficiently, thereby cooling his body
reflective of the entire sporting curvature of the spine. If he had not and channelling more energy into
world’s feelings about this modern- been diagnosed, not only would his his running.
day champion. Holder of the world back been curved but one leg may Bolt’s height naturally has
record for the 100 metres and the have grown longer in an attempt influenced his running style, which
most famous face in athletics to naturally compensate for the sees an intersection between
today, Usain Bolt will be seen in condition. physiology and technique. Bolt
international competition for the Because he had to undergo could always run, and was always
last time in London this August. treatment for the condition, Bolt quick, but tiny adjustments to his
The fastest man on the planet - was forced to conduct exercises style have been conscious decisions
ever - has come to this point due to that helped define the symmetry and have had significant impacts.
a freak convergence of raw talents of his body. Moreover, the therapy Central to his speed is his stride.
and dedication that few will be able used to counter this issue involved In London 2012, Bolt completed the
to attain again. developing his core strength, which 100 metres with a mere 41 steps.
Why is this the case? Let’s start is so vital for sprinters. His runner up, Yohan Blake, needed
with Bolt’s genetic inheritance. Then there is his height. 46. Stride is perhaps that biggest
One reason why so many Jamaican Conventional wisdom states that difference between amateur and
sprinters are so quick is because taller runners cannot get the same professional sprinters. Speed is
they have such symmetrical knee force as more compact ones. At not down to how fast you swing

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