President of the International Olympic committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge says Usain Bolts accomplishments have yet to make him a legend

LONDON – Long after the Legend of London delivered another gold medal for Jamaica, long after he ran away from a pack of outclassed opponents, this time as the anchor of 4x100 relay that would bust the world record with a time of 36.85, long after he carried out his historic goal of defending three championship here, long after he thrilled 80,000 in Olympic Stadium and millions across the globe, from English castles to poor third world streets, Usain Bolt was asked about Jacques Rogge.

Rogge is the president of the International Olympic Committee who behaviors himself with all of the tact, understanding and compassion of a falling safe. If Bolt is what is best about the Olympics, Rogge is what’s worst.

Thursday Rogge was expected by reporters about Bolt, who would on Saturday win his 3rd gold medal and thus become the first man to ever defend his titles in the 100-meter, 200-meter and 4x100-meter relay.

Rogge, as is his character, determined to sniff at the concept that Usain Bolt, while certainly a star, could yet be called a “legend”, the very word Bolt set as his goal coming in here. This was the principal agreeing back praise for the kid with the perfect grades because, well, because that’s what powerful people do when they feel threatened.

“The career of Usain Bolt has to be judged when the career stops,” Rogge told reporters. “If you look at the career of Carl Lewis, he had (4) straight games with a medal. Let Usain Bolt be free of injury, let him keep his motivation which I think will be the case, let him participate in three, four games, and he can be a legend.”

Right, do it for me again. build me more money again.

Rogge went on to cite British rower Steve Redgrave & sailor Ben Ainslie, according to the Independent newspaper, as legends. They won gold in 5 and 4 Olympics respectively.

A sailor? Oh, Jacques, how perfect.

Rogge said, "You have to be there, you have to be at the top for almost 20 years.”

Look, call those guys legends all you want. Amazing achievement.  Enormous sportsman. Spread the praise all around. It doesn’t even remotely compare to Usain Bolt or competing in the sprints against his field of competitors.