Dear Editor,

I read your editorial on Monday last pertaining to the unfortunate and, dare I say, disrespectful comments of Mr Usain Bolt and agree wholeheartedly with your sentiments.

Let me start by saying that I love Mr Bolt but am very passionate in my criticism of his comments simply because of that love and my desire for him to remain successful.

While no doubt blessed with abundant talent, Bolt was clearly unprepared for the race in Stockholm after “living life” in Negril just days before. Did he and his handlers really believe that he could have been at his best only a few days later and with a flight half-way around the world? Or is it that he and his handlers have become a bit too arrogant and take his success for granted?

If this is the type of attitude being displayed, Bolt will learn the hard way that life at the top is not usually an easy one.

I reiterate your point that Bolt’s comments were an affront to the sport, the fans, his opponents, the sponsors and the meet organisers. When one is being paid upwards of US$500,000 per race just to appear, I do not think it is unreasonable for them to expect him to take the race seriously, regardless of whether or not it falls in a “championship year”.

Richard Stewart

stewedpeas@yahoo.com