Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

"IS PURE red eye and 'grudgefulness'. They just can't come to terms with the fact that not only has this little boy won the double sprint, but he did it in world record time," said Prime Minister Bruce Golding as he blasted critics of Usain Bolt yesterday.

In the last week, the world's fastest man and Jamaica's knight in shining armour of the 2008 Olympics, Bolt, has been criticised for showboating after winning the 100 metres in fine style in Beijing, China.

One of the strongest criticisms came from president of the International Olympic Council (IOC) Jacques Rogge, who said Bolt disrespected his opponents while showboating.

Rogge's comments were complemented by NBC commentor Bob Costas, who said Bolt was not only disrespectful to his competitors, but also to the Olympic Games and to the fans, who deserved to see him at his best.

Fellow NBC commentator, Trinidadian Ato Boldon went even further: "It was a display that should not have been there," he said. "You kids at home, this is not how you behave as an Olympic champion."

But, Prime Minister Golding, at a 'Gold Breakfast' celebration at Pier One restaurant in Montego Bay, yesterday morning defended the 22-year-old athlete.

"Some people just feel that kind of glory doesn't belong to a little country like Jamaica. Tell dem to tek weh demself," he said.

Announcement

The Prime Minister also said a "very important" announcement would be made soon, regarding the welfare of the athletes. "They will be a priority of this government," he said.

He said one of the things brought to his attention by former Olympian Juliet Cuthbert was that, "sometimes athletes suffer injury and cannot afford to accept the treatment offered to them. That is something we have to look at".

He also said the particular circumstances of the athletes and their families must be looked at. Noting that although this was a tall order, he was working to put together a framework.