Why do so many Americans cheer for Usain Bolt?

Blame NBC for hyping him.

I think its because we don't really care about the other 3. Not sure of its rumors or the amount of media attention or we want to see someone do something spectacular. I don't think Bailey,Gatlin or agay had a chance to do anything great like break a record. And Jamacians just seem like cool people.

Because Bolt is most likely clean whereas virtually every American 100m Olympic gold medalist or world champion since 1984 has failed a drug test at some point

Personally, I would have loved to see Tyson Gay win. But I was happy when Bolt won for two reasons:

1). He's a superstar and a great entertainer. He's great for the sport. His stardom and jaw-dropping performances are hard to root against, regardless of nationality. It's a lot of fun to watch Bolt do his thing.

2). Watching someone upset the Bolt would be interesting, and my hope would be for the upset to come from a classy dude like Tyson. However, what is more interesting to me is watching a man become an absolute legend. To witness unprecedented greatness. If Bolt goes on to win the 200, it will be something no other sprinter has ever done, accomplished by a man who has run times no other man has ever sniffed. It's awe inspiring.

And I have mad respect for Usain after seeing him set that Spanish reporter straight while the national anthem was playing for Sanya.

We are all sportsmen (and sportswomen?). The essence of humankind supercedes nationalism.

Also, Bolt, in addition to being the fastest runner of all time, has an irrepressible spirit about him. He reminds me in his showmanship of Ali.

Because Bolt is legitimately cool and casual. Do you see some of those other sprinters like Richard Thompson trying to act cool? It's pathetic.

As for Americans in the race, Gatlin's a proven cheater and a very dim bulb, and Tyson Gay is anti-charismatic.

Personality goes a long way.

So by that rationale, if a pig had a better personality, it would cease to be a filthy animal?

A dog has personality wrote:

Personality goes a long way.

These are the athletes I'm supporting for each event.

100 -Bolt

200 - Blake

800 - Kzsczot

400 - Kirani James

400h - Culson

1500 - Willis

steeple - Kemboi

5k/10k - Rupp

Bolt isn't American?

clownquestionbro wrote:

Blame NBC for hyping him.

Dumb. People like to witness historical performances. There are - or were - plenty of people outside the US cheering for Michael Phelps. If you can't admire and celebrate human greatness beyond national borders then that's just sad. I always rooted emphatically for Sergei Bubka even though I'm not Ukranian (or from an ex-USSR country). And I still hope his WR doesn't get broken in my lifetime, although that's kind of silly.

another banned poster wrote:

And I still hope his WR doesn't get broken in my lifetime, although that's kind of silly.

Especially if you rephrase it as "I hope I die before someone breaks the pole vault WR."

kartelite wrote:

Especially if you rephrase it as "I hope I die before someone breaks the pole vault WR."

How Bayesian of you.

Because even U.S. citizens know winners when they see them. And good for the U.S. It shows the world that not everyone in America is stupid.

Because even U.S. citizens know winners when they see them. And good for the U.S. It shows the world that not everyone in America is stupid.

Geographical Confusion wrote:

We did have three of our own citizens in the race.

I think it's because most of them don't follow track, and all they hear about is Bolt and how great he is so when the race starts he's probably the only one they know of and they forget about the rest.

It could also be because people wand to see the worlds fastest man sent more records

Because he's charismatic without being arrogant, unlike a lot of your athletes.

I don't. I can't stand dopers. I cheer for Gay, Collins, and the Frenchman.

Because he's a joy to watch.