Words cannot express how wrong you are.
There's nothing "old" about sportsmanship.

Richard, Toronto, Canada

Shame on you Rogge.... i seriously understand now why your blind! Usain is a young athlete who has worked really hard @ achieving his winnings.... so his gestures show be the least of your concerns.... You should be more focused on why America didn't get the gold and breaking the record.

Mitsy, NJ, usa

Yes Rogge is out of touch and look at a bigger picture....But what really ticked me off is the stupid questions that was asked during the interview! that!! Also the paparazzi like filming of private moments of an athlete's failure!! Such bad taste!

Keith, Roesdale, USA

Rogge did not say Bolt shouldn't have celebrated in the manner he did as he crossed the line; he simply said Bolt should have shown some respect to the losers by shaking hands with them. Had Bolt finished without a world record and not shaken hands, what would the Press have written?

K. Radhakrishnan, Delhi, India

To even compete at the olympics shows single mindness, sacrifice, and commitment that most people cannot comprehend. After all this effort, amid the jubilation of victory, you want these athletes to focus on their competitors! Please! - let them celebrate how they see fit - they are olympians!

Paul, Houston, USA

Usain Bolt's performances in Beijing rank amongst the greatest any of us will ever witness. In 20 years' time, will you recall the manner in which Phelps won his medals? I doubt it. Will you ever be able forget the exuberance of Bolt's victories? I doubt it. We should consider ourselves privileged.

Steve Weare, London,

In March 2008, Bolt's best time of 10.03 wouldn't have won the US university championship. 5 months later, he's by far the fastest person in history. Add to that the fact that the entire Jamaican sprint team, which used to train in the US with mixed success, is smashing records. Be serious.

Gopher, Grenoble,

What a load of rubbish! Because of one thing Rogge mentioned you're slaughtering the guy. Do you want go back to the totally corrupt regime of Samaranch. Rogge is a very modest man of great integrity who wants the best for the athletes. But I guess when someone isn't Anglosaxon he just won't do.

Joris, Woerden, Holland

You can possess personality and still conduct yourself with class! I was glad to see Bolt's maturation during the games.

I am amazed that Great Britain's
Martin Rooney was not singled out for "his" boorish behavior during the 4x400m. The way he taunted his competitors was classles

ALF, Greensboro, USA

The way Usain "Bolted" onto the T&F scene this year and his youthfull exuberance is resfreshing to say the least. It appears to be a reflection of the Jamaican way. It reminded me of the "Jamaican Bob Sled" team that competed in Calgary 20 years ago. Resfreshin indeed.

Harry Welten, Crysler, Canada

Delusional is right. In his Opening Ceremony speech at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games he claimed: "Athletes, these Games were created for you by our founder, Pierre de Coubertin." The Panathenian stadium was first used for an Olympic Games in 1870. That's 24 years before the IOC was founded.

Mike Pagomenos, London, United Kingdom

Rogge is blinded by the big boys who have financial clout . I suppose he had to find a way to make the US team, competing on a level playing field for the first time (drug free) feel better.
Usain is a fantastic athlete who made the Olympics exciting and worth watching. GO Jamaica

Sandy, Kingston, Jamaica

Rogge is the best chairman ever and despite all US efforts, he will be reelected. The reason: every country except the US wants an honest distribution of the IOC revenues and no longer that lifetime fixed percentage for the US. And he wants it badly...

Tim, Brussels, Belgium

Rogge needs to be quiet because there was many other athletes that were showboating the only reason this kid is getting so much attention is because he did it and broke the world record, i sure didn't see Michael Phelps lean and shake a competitors hand when he was winning unless they were American.

Norman, New York,

The head of the IOC should be interested in promoting the pageantry of sport and the unity of athleticism. Instead of upholding such ideals, he's indulged his anti-American bias and has conspired to get rid of baseball and softball, sports played by millions on 4 continents. RESIGN ROGGE!!!

Joe Dawson, Chicago, USA

I guarantee you if Usain had waved adidas shoes instead of Puma, Rogge wouldn't say anything!

Paul, Seattle, USA

Well, I have to say that I do not fully like this kind of showboating too. It looks arrogant (but may not be...). And let's remember Pierre de Coubertin famous quote "The important thing is not to win, but to take part", which SHOULD remain the right attitude for sport, be it amateur or professional

Arthur Rambo, Paris, Europe

Rogge should resign from his post we are tired in seeing white collars in organization such as the IOC who cannot understand the emotions of success during these great events.

Philip Mamo, Pieta, Malta

This Rogue chap is out to lunch, to say the least.

David, Toronto, Canada

Wow, Bolt was just enjoying himself, what about Maurice Green back in the day?, now that was showboating and he's just one of many.....All this negative energy towards Usain Bolt , the IOC president is really sad.The kid is just amazing...you go Usain Bolt.

Tom, Long Island, USA

I totally agree, Usain will always remain my icon of these games. so entertaining and fresh. I'm so proud of the Jamaicans even though I am not one. They've shown smaller countries that they can do great things. As for Rogge, Pllllease, the man is 66, he has a right to sound senile .

OBI, lagos, Nigeria

Jamaicans have been criticised time after time of being too laid back but yet still other countries want to emulate us. Rogge I think you should adapt that laid back attitude and embrace a new era, because there are alot more celebration and jubilation where that came from. TO DI WORL' BOLT.

STACY, PORTSMOUTH, UK

No "swimsuit" to float your body, no oversized pool to dampen the waves, 100 meter dash is all raw talent and a world record is more real. Phelps may have won more golds, but Bolt will always be remembered as the face of the 2008 Games. They should erect a statue for him at the Bird's Nest.

David, Salt Lake City, United States

Usain Bolt has been a prodigy since age 14; we Jamaicans have known about this boy wonder for a long time; the rest of the world has just now been invited to the party. Usain gets to the grass track at 5 AM every morning, uses rusty weights, a torn up weight bench; he has every right to celebrate.

jcandiva, Atlanta,GA, USA

I didn't see Rogge smile once when the camera was on him during the opening ceremony - fine one to comment on Bolt's demeanour after winning the race. How does he know Bolt did not talk to the other participants off camera/ after the race? Need a new non-European IOC head !!

Nik, Houston, USA

watching him run was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. I've watched the replay of every run a number of times and each time I am in awe of what he has done. Its saddens me that some can witness such breathtaking ability yet just want to criticise.

rob, edinburgh,

I like Bolt and the way he finishes his 100 metre is unforgettable. WoW!

Caroline , Manchester, UK

If we were to use brand value as metric to compare, ask yourself who is the more marketable brand globally, Michael Phelps, Bryan Clay, or Usain Bolt. Do I need to spell it out, or has it just flowed naturally from your lips. Thought so.

Steve, Melbourne, Australia

Bolt's exuberance is not disrespectful but an expression of joy.

he shows good professionalism by hugging the losers in a sign of respect and warmth. It seems to be bit too much for men in dark suits at IOC. American commentators should keep their thoughts to themselves.

neil, london,

Anyone who considers Bolt's actions 'showboating' is totally ignorant of Jamaican culture. What Bolt showed was typical Jamaican swagger - we came out of the womb with it, and we'll go to our graves with it. He was dancing to "Nuh Linga" and he would have be doing if he was the only one there.

Colin Wilson, Toronto, Canada

To paraphrase WC Grace, the people came to see Mr. Bolt run, and not Mr. Rogge administer.

Dave, Perth, Australia

Thanks for the reasoned response, but some people will never change their views, on some things. We are all created uniquely by a creator who just loved diversity and variety, to brighten up our miserable lives that we created with our greed and prejudices. thank God for Bolts youthfu s, enthusiam,

josephine Lecointe, North hollywood, America

I agree, with all the problems athletics been facing including the fact that it no longer enjoys prime spot veiwing in some countries such as USA, its mind boggling to hear what the highest authrity of the games has as its biggest concern - Bolt's lack of mannerism.

Anthony, ST. Ann, Jamaica

Rogge should be careful. The last showboat winner was Ben Johnson who has consistently maintained that he was fitted up (he admits to drugs, but not stanozobol, and nothing that would have still been in his system on the day of the race).

Simon, Etchingham, U.K.

Good manners, which convey empathy, modesty and civility (see civilization) are a million times more impressive than than anything anyone might ever achieve on the track.

Al, Cape Town,

Rogge is so far behind time he needs to go into a time capsule

Andrew Stevens, Moe , Australia

First of all when Bolt started the 100m he had a bad start, but he continued, one of his shoelaces were untied, but he continued, when he slowed down to see where everyone was there was no one..so yes in the joy of it he celebrated and crossed the finish line and set the wrld rcd who wouldnt really

Nicky, Toronto, Canada

This is also news for the Times ?

Instead of giving off to Jacques Rogge, look into your own heart and try to fulfill the self-made reputation of a good newspaper, because obviously this kind of " news " isn't the way to do it.

Henk Debal, London,

I genuinely think it is racism by Rogge. Incredibly patronising and pompous yes, but also racism. He is living in the 1930s, Bolt is an exuberant hero. Rogge is talking down to him like an errant slave. "He will learn" indeed. A streak of racism runs through Francophone diplomats of a certain age.

GW, London, England

If that's your reaction, then that's your reaction. There are definetely people who find that Rogge is right. He is the head of the IOC and needs to put all his energy in fair play, that's just his job. I don't understand why a newspaper has to make such a big deal out of it! No other news?

Matthias Vleugels, tessenderlo, belgium

Perception is a helluva thing.....when you are young man coming from Trelawny, one of the most unrecognized parishes in Jamaica, and you liberate the spirits of the people in your country, winning a race,you ARE a champion, you ARE a hero, you DESERVE TO DANCE BAREFOOT JAMAICAN STYLE ON THE TRACK!

Dianne Chamber, Kingston, Jamaica

A lot of Americans slating a non-US athlete for showboating. Not many complaints from the US when Johnson, Lewis, Jones et al used to do it. Envy and hyprocrisy must be the in thing among US track fans. PS In 1996 Johnson walked around the track barefoot showing his golden nike shoes.

Victor , London, UK

So many fantastic wins have occurred over the years and our Jamaicans come in second and third and no gold medalists turned around to shake our hands, tap us on the back,they were caught up in their victory,they grabbed their flags and did their victory lap.
DANCE ON BOLT! You've made us proud!

Dianne Chambers, Kingston, Jamaica

Bolt was the fastest and he knew it. But it is also obvious he was anything but magnanimous in victory . That can be seen as disrespect to his vanquished rivals. He made himself look shallow doing the jig after the 100m. He is not a role model you would like for your kids.

Terry, london,

Usain's performance at the close of the 100 meters final was sparked by the split second realisation that he had won the race, not for himself but for his beloved Jamaica. We need to understand the physic. At the start of the movies, in Jamaica, the national anthem plays and everyone sings.

Steve, Melbourne, Australia

How very stuffy and unsportsmanlike of Rogge-why would anyone, let alone the head of the IOC, rain on Usain Bolt's parade.
Sure, the kid was a little self absorbed, but Rogge obviously missed the huge hugs he gave the second place and third place guys (later disqualified) in the 200m final.

Martin Strearman, Singapore, Singapore

Ifa, woulda, shoulda, coulda, Of course bolt could have patted bums and shook hands, but he didn't . He reveled in the joy of the moment and that alright too.

Not everything has to go according to your notion Mr R. Lighten up if you can and enjoy the magnificence of the "lightening".

N. Clarke, BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM

Rogge apparently believes that if he keeps spewing negative blather on Bolt, it will take the spotlight off him for turning the other way whilst China apparently covered up its lies about the ages of its gymnasts. Come now, Rogge, who's behaviour is really inappropriate? Methinks not Bolt...

Leslie, Los Angeles,

Excellent article. Bolt comes off as extremely confident but not at all arogant. His celebrations were very entertaining and his interviews completely humble. His performances have done wonders for Athletics as well as the Olympics in general. Any one who sees it otherwise is either nieve or jealous

Kyle Erickson, Los Angeles, United States

Usain's youthfulness was at the fore. Not disrespect. Having achieved his goal (gold!) he was ready to celebrate - his style.
I'd still be dancing if I had those gold shoes.
I am yet to see a winner in any competition (sports, beauty queen etc) shake other competitor's hand. Come on!

Julet, Kingston, Jamaica

In Usain Bolt's own words: "I came to have fun, I didn't come to break the world record because I am the world record holder". Everyone seems to forget this is a sport, something to laugh about and have fun. If Rogge wants to comment on something maybe he should ask for Chinese birth certificates..

Derek, Tucson, AZ, United States

Jacques Rogge was chosen to head the IOC over Dick Pound because he knows how to go along to get along - in other words, so no cheating, report no cheating.

Bolt is a fantastic athlete and a bit of a showman. Good for him - and congrats on the gold!

Mike, NEW YORK, USA

I was taught at a very early age that you must be a good loser and an even better winner. Humility is a lesson that all people should learn and it was in no way apparent in Bolt. He is a phenominal athlete, I just wish he would show the fans and other athletes respect by being humble and grateful.

Elisa, Sacramento, USA

I think Rogge has a point. I think showboating is unneccesary and the only character it shows is rudeness and nastiness. I think there is nothing wrong with celebrating a fantastic win. But to start the celebrations and boasting even before the race was finished was just nasty.

K R, Arizona, USA

Well now we know who pays Rogge's salary. It's a sad day indeed when US interests (masquerading as the IOC), and the US media (NBC) care more about inflating US interests rather than the spirit and joy of the Olympics. When US showboated in the 2000 Olympics NO ONE complained.

CONGRATS BOLT!

Samantha Winters, Washingston, USA

It may not be the your way of celebrating but it does not mean its a wrong way to celebrate. The big and bad Roggue showing your so call might by publicly chastising a 22 year old from an island of 2.8M. Why don't you go beat up on the U.S., who are as arrogant as they come, or you are too afraid?

Michelle Hutchinson, New York, U.S.A.

Nobody can deny that Bolt is a great athlete, but on the same token he is not a fun guy, as he calls himself, he is arrogant AND disrespectful to his colleagues. His demonstration of un-sportsmanlike attitude during the 100 m dash was appalling. My coach would have sent him home for less than that

vince, Miami, USA

Mr. Rogge while you should be congratulating Usain for his wonderful performance you instead office the greatest criticism from the organisation that you head the IOC. Are you speaking as head of the IOC or is this your personal opinion

Kindly remember your motto "
Citius -Altius - Fortius. "

Kabba, Kingston, Jamaica

Bolt's performances were both astounding. The 100m was perhaps the more impressive but he blatantly showboated. It is hardly a big deal but it wasn't terribly respectful to his fellow atheletes. An culture of 'braggarts and egos' in sprinting or pointing out other people's foibles hardly justify it.

Ross, Birmingham,

Rogge needs to apologise to Bolt. Why does Rogge single out this simple young man for such harsh criticism? But he is not the only one trying to tarnish Bolt's win. Bob Costas the NBC American tv anchor did the same too. Big, powerful men trying to take down a genuine athletic hero. How sad.

Ralph, Calgary, Canada

Joe I hope you feel the same way when your Track stars don't celebrate with the other competitors, to tell you the truth, Bolt should no longer compete in the olympics unless Rogge makes somekind of apology. When the US went on with their
showboating, in 2004.

David Dawson, Toronto, Canada

The showboating was a bit much BEFORE the 100 m race. I don't have a problem w/ handshaking or not - I never experienced that as a high school athlete. Look, if BOLT appeared obnoxious then I think that's how he appeared. Don't know that it matters that much, he's behavior led to that impression.

PattyP, LA, USA

How ridiculous is it really to expect good sportsmanship for an athlete that is being watched by the world? I say "kudos" to Rogge for stepping up with "old fashioned" values in a world that thinks that moving forward has to involve forgetting everything in the past, whether it be good or bad.

Daryl Messina, Arcata, USA

How ridiculous is it really to expect good sportsmanship from an athlete that is being watched by the world? I say "kudos" to Rogge for standing up for "old fashioned" values in a world that thinks that progression comes only by forgetting all that was in the past, good or bad.

Daryl Messina, Arcata, USA

Nothing wrong with how Usain celebrated after his winnings and walking around barefooted. I don't ever remembering any atlete showing their shoe or should I say the brnd of the shoe. Does Jacques heard how much money Puma make after He show it?if it was a USA would he ave a problem?

Kayle, Maryland, USA

Jacques Rogge needs to get a life and stop hating on Usain Bolt. Usain won his races fair and square. IMHO..His fellow competitors are the ones who need to go to him and say congratulations for giving them a good challenge. Tell Rogge to stop hating and to learn the art of appreciating.

V Hall, Ontario, Canada

Bolt is beautiful. Rogge needs to have his priorities (to say the least) examined!

Great news about further probes into the age of the tiny Chinese gymnasts--this is way overdue for the IOC!!! Finally!

Rogge should apologize to Bolt--the man is beautiful.

Tara, New York ,

You really believe Bolt is clean, given how quickly he improved? Possible, but very unlikely. That said, his little chicken dance was more of an embarrassment than any great slight to "the man."

Ross S., Sao Paulo, Brasil

Yeah right Mr. Rogge. What I need when I've just lost a race is for the winner to come over and gloat. Instead of chastising the man who's bringing back some joy to watching athletics you should go deal with the Chinese and the promises they failed to deliver on. Go Bolt! Go Jamdown!

FlaviaW, Kingston,, Jamaica

Rogge get a grip on reality. have the United States atheletes ever ran around petting people on their shoulder. He should celebrate, he won and deserved to win. "Lightning" needed to strike the Olympics and it did. Twice. We saw what the Olympics need- some new blood. Tired of the same old faces.

Annette Harvey, Sandy's, Bermuda

Usain made the olypimpics exciting, to see a man from a small country excell as he did was a sight to see. to hear the President bash him like he did not only shows made sportsmanship, but a negative towards unkowns. Bolt has now reaped his just rewards for hard work.

ANNETTE HARVEY, Sandy's, Bermuda

Bolt did not cross the finish line in "breakneck speed". He pulled up with about 15 meters to go to showboat. I love his superiority but I would have loved it more if he had respect for the Olympics and the sport by finishing the race as fast as he possibly could.

Tom Cast, Aiken, USA

I am a proud Jamaican and avid fan of the sport who is more disappointed by JACQUES ROGGE'S assessment of Bolt's celebration than by the celebration itself. Bolt's performance and his youth celebration is a breath of fresh air to an olympics tradition where rule breakers and addicts got medals.GO U!

v.gaynor, portmore pines, jamaica

I am a proud Jamaican and avid fan of the sport who is more disappointed by JACQUES ROGGE'S assessment of Bolt's celebration than by the celebration itself. Bolt's performance and his youth celebration is a breath of fresh air to an olympics tradition where rule breakers and addicts got medals.GO U!

v.gaynor, portmore pines, jamaica

Would your assertion hold true if Bolt were doping? Most would not agree with you in this case. And the IOC and many other sports are not doing much to catch the plethora of drug users in sports. For instance, they don't do regular blood tests, if at all, unlike cycling with a know drug problem.

CF, Rich, USA

When Asafa was on top every said he was not out spoken, now there is bolt and he is the opposite and they still have a problem? Mr.Rogge let bolt be....

MARIO PAISLEY, negril, jamaica

So the Times Online is completely off kilter here.

We are talking about the Olympics here. At its very soul (despite the commercialization and endorsements), it is a statement about unity and sportsmanship. And Bolt has been seemingly light on the latter of the two.

Joe, Norfolk, USA

Why doesn't Rogge look into the gymnastics situation with the under-age Chinese team...or the judging at the boxing venue both of which were demonstrably flawed.

Bolt was great fun to watch. I think this says it all about where the IOC is...they can't see the forest through the trees.

David Carlick, Berkeley Heights, usa

I am very sorry to read what was said by the President of the IOC. Bolt is there to run and win, and he did that regardless to what others may think. In his mind, I am sure there is no disrespect for his competitor. We do not need remarks to spoil the joy we have experienced over the past few days.

Jeffrey Churchill, Pierrefonds, Quebec. CANADA

Jacques Rogge: Let Usain enjoy himself. Life is too short. This is Usain time now, few years from now it will be someone else's. Usain is a confident fellow and nothing can steal his joy.

Melissa , Toronto, Canada

I find myself struggle to muster any kind of enthusiasm for these games. Bolt is the *only* guy i sent a message to my friends on msn about. Which means imnsho; Bolt is way more important than Rogge for the Olympics.

Einar Hagen, Reykjavik, Iceland

Blind fury is so correct.
Can this man be happy for a youyh that hails from a country riddled with crime and violence.
Bolt's victory is one of the high points in Jamaica at this time .
yow 'lef we yaw.

kofi, jamaica,

Rogge simply couldn't bear Bolt's achievements; something that happens to old men who are evidently not fine with their own achievements. It shouldn't be allowed to those people to talk to such a public as that of the Olympics in guise of moralisers, though.

Filippo, Milan,

Bit harsh the criticism.

Bolt has to do something while he's waiting for the others to finish.

Andrew Chilcott, Melbourne, Australia

Rogge should resign, or be made to resign. Is this man for real? 'Deluded' is the right word. This narcissistic man couldn't preside over a tea-party, let alone the IOC.

Felix, The Hague, Holland

You could draw up a list of things wrong with the olympics and put the IOC at the top. It has about as much integrity as FIFA.

Nigel, London,

'...winning with unity', Harvey? What exactly does that mean? Sounds like a bit of left wing, PC bull, to me. The Yanks have the right idea - There's first place and no place! We've got to drop this ridiculous dogma that pervades much of British thinking - 'everyone's a winner'.

mike, Cardiff,

Oh come on - stop trying to spoil the party! What we saw in Bolt was absolute delight and exhilaration after achieving something great. This was something most people watching understood and enjoyed. It was not in the slightest bit arrogance or disrespect for his fellow runners.

Dave, London,

How can Rogge have a hide to make any comment about inappropriate behaviour? The IOC members have no scruples when it comes to how poorly China has treated its own people in the run-up to these Games and turn a blind eye at the obvious restrictions on the press.

Steve Mac, Perth, Aus

I don't totally agree with what he said but he had a point. I think what he was trying to say something about solidarity and unity.. he could have said it better. Winning is obviously a great thing for a human being, but winning with unity is what will change the world..

Harvey, WIndsor, United Kingdom