Nobody would’ve predicted that two weeks after the Summer Olympics came to a close, Michael Phelps would be an afterthought. Phelps did everything right (8 gold medals, 7 world records) and was even being hailed as the “apotheosis of the athlete.” Then Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt ran the 100 and 200 meters, and everything changed.

Bolt is now one of the most captivating athletes on the planet. In the past week, Terrell Owens has speculated that he could beat Bolt in a race provided he received a 20 yard head start and ESPN has broken coverage to live broadcast a 100 meter race - and not a World Championship or Olympic race, just a regular race. This kind of coverage for track is unheard of, and it’s all because of Bolt.

So how did a sprinter from an island nation with a population of just under 3 million eclipse America’s golden swimmer? The answer has less to do with talent than it does with personality. Phelps is a freak, don’t get me wrong, but his interviews are dull and we were over-saturated with his story before he even landed in Beijing.

Bolt, on the other hand, has the charisma and appeal more associated with the NBA or NFL than the Olympics. It’s why the curmudgeonly IOC President Jacques Rogge criticized Bolt’s celebration that began about 85 meters into his astonishig 100 - it should be noted that Bolt still broke the world record, arms outstretched as he crossed the line.  

Bolt’s flare for the dramatic as well as his otherworldly talent– a talent that is Dionsyiac in its wonder– has put track back into the consciousness of sports fans and athletes. It used to be that the best athletes would eschew the track in favor of the higher profile and higher paying world of team sports, but don’t be surprised if that changes.

Yesterday, Bolt returned to Jamaica to discuss preparation for the 2009 season. Bolt said, he “will be ready” to compete against Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay. It’s hard to believe that with football underway and baseball heading into the playoffs, the 2009 track season already has me excited, but that’s the power of a superstar.  

Track used to be relevant for a few days every leap year; forget that.

Photo by Flickr user thor_matt83 used under a Creative Commons license.