Is the 100m Sprint overrated??

The men's 100m Sprint is the pinnacle of the games. People pay hundreds of pounds to watch the likes of Bolt, Blake and Gay battle it out to become the worlds fastest man. A title that carries such weight in the world of athletics. A mere 10 seconds and the race is over, 9.63 seconds if your Usain Bolt. The crowd go wild, Bolt pulls his normal pose and enjoys the camera's. Is it deserved?

Today the Brownlee brothers showed what the Olympics really is all about. Athletes sweating blood and tears for their country and personal achievement. While Usain Bolt has just taken Gold he was more bothered about working the crowd than feeling the strain of a race. While there is undeniable talent in Bolt's speed, I believe to deserve a medal you should have to hurt for it. Bolt barely looked tired after his event. When the Brownlee boys crossed the line they could barely stand, let alone run again!

Sprint arrogance is preceeded by sportsmanship, determination and a will to succeed in the triathlon. There is no bad bantering between the athletes and a lot more respect in other events. While the 100m sprint may be the more glamourous, I am a believer that the gulf in 'celebrity status' is undeserved. While I do enjoy the sprint I have been far more enthralled by the likes of the cycling road race, triathlon, velodrome drama, Mo Farah taking gold and Jess Ennis. 

Bolt's arrogance and self confidence is at times admirable but there are far greater athletes who handle themselves in a truly great way.... Michael Phelps when he lost to Chad Le Clos, now there is a true champion! 

Alistair Brownlee's post race actions say it all really: