Mother Bolt Responds

Norman Peart, Usain Bolt’s manager; Jennifer Bolt, the sprinter’s mom; and Mizicann Evans, Bolt’s girlfriend, among the Jamaicans in China enjoying the Olympic Games yesterday. (Photo: Bryan Cummings)

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BY KAYON RAYNOR Jamaica Observer

Usain Bolt’s mother Jennifer has seen a world champion in him since he was 12 years old. So it’s no wonder she remains unfazed by the drama that is unfolding in Beijing. She passes a cursory glance at her picture in China’s largest English newspaper, The Post, snapped after her son’s historic win and quickly dismisses the notion that, like her son, she has taken on celebrity status.

She has been fending off the interest of international media, turning down TV and newspaper interviews.

“I am just here to support Usain … to see him do well. We are swamped by requests for pictures by people from all over the world. We are coming to terms with what is happening but we are just waiting for the next races and praying for the best.”

Killer instinct

She said the killer instinct Usain has displayed on the track has been part of his character since he was a kid.

“Usain is a guy who doesn’t like to lose. He has been like that since primary school. The world saw a bit of it when he went to the World Junior Championships and now they are witnessing it on the biggest stage of all.”

She described the moment when he broke the 100 metres world record while winning Olympic gold as the highlight of her life.

“It was just amazing … I can’t find the words to describe it. It was special.”

Jennifer Bolt was paying a courtesy call on Sports Minister, Olivia Grange, at the China World Hotel in Beijing. She was accompanied by Bolt’s manager Norman Peart and his girlfriend Mizicann ‘Mitzy’ Evans.

Fine job

Grange commended Jennifer on the fine job she had done in raising Usain and urged her to guide him in securing his future through meaningful investments. She said: “Usain is in the moment of his life and while he enjoys the success, he should ensure that he plans for the years ahead.”

Bolt has lit up the Olympic Games with his performances on and off the track. His name rolls off the lips of the locals who erupt into a frenzy every time he performs antics during race introductions. He has drawn criticism in the media, particularly from American journalists, who accused him of showboating and being disrespectful to his competitors by celebrating even before the races have been run.

But his mother says the stuff he does on the track are part and parcel of who he is. “Usain likes to clown around. That’s how he plays with me and with his girlfriend. It’s not unusual to find him wrestling with his dad. He’s having fun and that’s important.”

Mitzy says dancing is one of Usain’s passions and he often spends time learning new moves from one of Jamaica’s most popular street dancers, Ding Dong.

Mitzy says she is enjoying the moment and having a great time in Beijing. “This is just awesome and I’m loving it.”