Usain Bolt not legend - yet, says Rogge

Aug 10, 2012 |

London

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History-making Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt is an icon but not a legend -- yet, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge said on Thursday.

The 70-year-old Belgian spoke to a select group of five journalists shortly before 25-year-old Bolt completed his historic second successive double Olympic sprint triumph by winning the 200m in fine style.

However, Rogge, who in 2008 took aim at Bolt's showmanship, said Bolt's exact place in the Olympic athletics pantheon couldn't be determined until he had retired.

"The career of Usain Bolt has to be judged when he has retired," said Rogge.

"Carl Lewis appeared in four Olympics and won medals in all of them and he is a legend. If Usain Bolt stays fit and remains motivated he can compete in four Games."

"For the moment he is an icon not a legend."

Rogge's comments are in contrast to those of Bolt, who said that he would deem himself a legend if he did the unprecedented repeat double here.

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