USAIN BOLT'S FINALE, THE PARTY THAT NEVER WAS


After Gatlin spoiled the party for Usain Bolt in the last individual 100 metre race, many were those who believed that there will be a come-back for the brilliant miracle for the tracks over the past few years but that was not to be.

In his last relay race at the IAAF championship in London, what can be described as a debacle that came nowhere near the intended script was written when contrary to the expected last miracle Usain Bolt running the last leg for Jamaica succumbed to a hamstring.

He had to watch on as Jamaica for the first time in a long period will be missing from the podium not because they were beaten but for failing to complete the race.

Bolt knew the way to leave was not by a wheel chair. He was helped up by the team mates who had run their course. The consolation for them was that they knew injury even when unexpected is part of the sport. 

On the other side of the story, the British quartet of Ujah, Gemili, Talbot and Mitchell-Blake made history as they beat their American counterparts that featured Gatlin to second place. It was part of the surprise of the night that Bolt and his colleagues will like to forget quickly. Japan came in third.

Another casualty of the evening of surprise was Mo Farah. Almost everybody expected him to finish on a superlative slate only to end up with silver in 5,000 metres. It was the first time in six years that Farah will not be standing on the podium to await his nation’s anthem.

Perhaps London 2017 is where a new chapter for athletics is being opened as the old order seem to be giving way in a variety of ways. The question however is who takes over from Bolt. His legacy will for a long time to come adorn the athletics hall of fame to await another prodigy.

Story: Kingsley Obeng-Kyereh
            @kobengkyereh
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