Spectators will see less of Usain Bolt with controversial bye introduced for 100m in London
By JONATHAN MCEVOY and NEIL WILSON
Last updated at 1:54 AM on 15th February 2011
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Spectators at London 2012 will be left short-changed by a revolutionary rule that sees Usain Bolt and the world’s other leading sprinters handed a bye into the second round of the 100 metres for the first time in Olympic history.
The break with tradition effectively ushers in a two-tier Olympics at odds with the institution’s original ideals.
Asafa Powell will be excited about this. He always looks best in the semi final.
Agreed, though it’s a little late for him now.
Let’s just say that Ato isn’t exactly a fan of the new rule. But it might be helpful for top people seeking to double.
It’s a talking point now but will be forgotten when the action starts at the meet. One thing which may go missing is the stark comparison clear to see when an ordinary human sprints against one of the medal contenders.
The pre-qualification or “classification stage” is only set for the 100m because most nations enter their freebie into the shortest race. It may not prevent the likes of a John Steven Akwari from plodding home hours after the winner in the marathon…so the documentary directors won’t lose all their “human interest” angles.
OR that Guy in the Sydney Oly games i think 100m Freestyle Swim race. Eric the Eel i think they named him. He looked like a 100m Running sprinter, but could hardly Swim.
Crowd loved him.
I think he came from a country that had just been hit by floods that year?
Like Eddie the Eagle? Haha Britains finest ski jumper.
He actually got pretty good in the years after the Sydney Olympics, lowering his PB in the 100m freestyle to under 57s.