What’s the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking:
1
The world’s fastest man proved he was even faster than the starter’s pistol.
He also proved he was human.
Usain Bolt was DQ’d from the final of the 100 meters at the world championships in South Korea, and he knew he was at fault.
So let the debate begin.
John Leicester of The Associated Press wrote: “The zero-tolerance false start regulation that threw the world’s fastest man out of the banner 100-meter sprint that he owns isn’t just silly, it’s cruel.” (Click here to read the entire column.)
The rule has been in place since January 2010. No second chance.
But this is not the first time a top athlete didn’t get the gold many thought was automatic. (See: Dan O’Brien, 1992 Olympics, decathlon, did not qualify.)
One-and-done can be a harsh reality of sport, but track and field isn’t any worse for Bolt’s quick step. It just proves that nothing is a given.
2
The end of summer is near. We can tell — not because of the impending kickoff of football — because the U.S. Open begins at Flushing Meadow.
“The Great Wide Open?” says Sports Illustrated’s website.
Of SI’s group of six prognosticators, three pick Novak Djokovic (he of the 57-2 record this year); one takes defending champ Rafael Nadal; one takes Andy Murray; and one takes a flyer on Mardy Fish.
All six pick Serena Williams for the women’s champion. She may have had a long layoff, but she did have a great summer winning the U.S. Open Series (good for a $1 million bonus if she wins the Open).
Taking a gander at ESPN.com for it’s tennis expert picks: Five pick Djokovic; two pick Murray; one pick for Nadal; and one for five-time champ Roger Federer. As for the women, all votes here also went to Williams to win.
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