Track and field needn't look any longer for its global icon. He's arrived and his name is Usain Bolt. The New York Times profiled Bolt Saturday, discussing his impact on the global sports scene, his marketability and how much money he earns. Time and again the NYTimes hints that Bolt is viewed as the savior of track and field around the world, which I believe is mostly true.Since the Beijing Olympics, the press surrounding Bolt has been magnificent and intense. He shows the style, dominance and grace that few athletes truly possesses. In comparison, names like Tiger Woods, David Beckham and Lance Armstrong are thrown around often, and while the NYTimes points out he might not be making the money like those athletes, he most certainly is getting the exposure.
With so much excitement surrounding Bolt, I am happy that Puma is his sponsor. I love most everything that Nike does for the sport, but with Puma Bolt seems to attract all of their marketing power behind his brand, and of course Puma is incredibly creative and stylish with all of their marketing campaigns. The biggest stars of our sport need strong marketing people behind them, stronger than what's been shown in the past, and I believe Bolt has that with Puma.
I am excited for this summer's international track and field season. While I feel the marketing push behind Michael Phelps fell apart with the whole bong scandal, Bolt's marketing presence has increased dramatically and his draw abroad is even stronger. Bolt is the great hope of track and field's future. If he becomes an international superstar in the mold of Woods, Beckham or Armstrong, I think we can all be hopeful for the status of track and field around the globe.
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I was reading an article a while back about high school kids in the US taking up track instead of basketball after Bolts exciting Beijing performance. I think he has inspired a new generation to take interest in the sport.
Completely agree. However, the impact that was had from the success of the Olympics needs to carry over each year between now and London. So often the sport can't sustain its success from the Olympics, but things like the Puma Street Meet and the 150m road race Bolt is competing at in England are two great steps forward.
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