Individual Characteristics
Usain Bolt
Usain Bolt is the one who personified the famous lightning pose. Bolt is a record holder for the shortest time ran for both the 100- and 200-meter sprint. One of the key characteristics of Bolt is the aggressiveness that ignites every time he runs. “I live for big champions, that’s where I come alive” (Bolt 6), says Bolt. In a normal race, Bolt would give everything he has. For him, it is not about the competition but about giving his very best all the time. During his childhood, Bolt developed a strong affection towards sport. He and his brother Sadiki would play football and cricket all day long. The greatest characteristic of Bolt is his passion towards the thing he loves doing the most -- sports and especially sprinting. Bolt has been undergoing extreme training for many years in order to be able to prove to the world the he is the fastest man alive. Bolt’s track training would commence during sunrise and conclude after sunset. He would endure the severe heat of the sun just so he can develop his stamina. He would even run around a swimming pool back and forth, touching opposite sides of the pool just to enhance his muscular strength. While running on water, Bolt has the same speed of a jogger along the street. He mainly consumes large portions of grilled chicken and veggies to maintain his body built. Every time he competes, he would eat 20 chicken McNuggets to get him fueled up. Bolt was the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Athlete of the Year for five times now. He was the recipient for the years 2008, 2009, 2011,2012, and 2013.
Nesa Carter
Nesta Carter, on the other hand, is a 30- year old sprinter from Manchester Parish Jamaica. He is one of the best runners in the world, especially for the 100 metre- event. Carter is a living proof of the phrase “hard work.” He started running at a young age and engaged in competitions during high school. One interesting fact about him is that Carter did not develop even an ounce of interest for running when he was young. However, he would accompany his cousins who participated in the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Track and Field meet. It was all out of curiosity that he tried if he, too, could run that fast. Carter initially wanted to be a draughtsman because he loved to draw, but after training for years, his curiosity turned to passion and the young boy who wanted to draw when he grew up became one of the fastest men in the world. Carter’s love for running is enveloped by his love for his country, for every victory he and his team achieve is for Jamaica. To sum it up, Carter’s best trait as an athlete is being self-less and eager to bring glory not only for his name but also for his country. For Bolt and Carter, it is all about focusing on their own lane along the sprint.
Bolt and Carter are both part of an action team that strives for greatness. The knowledge and motor skills they develop while in action change their perceptions (Grehaigne, Richard, & Griffin 143). Moreover, one of the best motivational tools in these sports and for the group is a positive rivalry. Carter is well aware of the recognitions that Bolt has been receiving for years. With a weak mental power, this factor would generate negativity and frustration from being deemed second or third best. However, Carter and Bolt are good friends even when there is a sense of competition.
External Influences
The team is about to compete and take part in the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics to be held at Rio De Janeiro in Brazil. The team will be competing in a foreign land with a different set of crowd and the unusual temperature. August is a cold month for Rio. It has been scientifically proven that the cold weather might result in the decline in the runners’ speed. However, the team has trained their body to compete in all kinds of temperature -- whether it is too hot, too cold, or even too windy. Speaking of declining speed, another external influence consists of the unavoidable circumstances that lead to accidents and injuries. These require the players to undergo treatment that can derail their training. For the Rio 2016 Olympics, the athletes who are up for running will be racing over distances of 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, and 10,000m. The rules are the same. False starts can result in automatic disqualification, that is, if the runner takes off before the pistol is fired.
Another external influence would be the laws, rules and regulations in Brazil, which the players may not be accustomed to but which they should abide with. As well, the players will have to adjust to the culture and customs in the country. They have to become familiar with them and be respectful of them in order to avoid offending the host country as well as the Brazilian fans and Brazilian players. Moreover, the players will have to adjust to the food. Some may not find the food appealing. However, it’s important for them to stay nourished. They will also have to contend with the media and the press. They will have to make time for such engagements, which may take time away from their training and which may reduce the time they have for rest. In relation to this, they may be asked to address certain questions and issues, which may cause them stress and which may distract them from their game.
Another external influence is the crowd’s reaction to them, which may either increase or decrease their morale. Finally, their performance would be influenced by their competitors, particularly by the USA team.
Works Cited
Bolt, Usain.Faster than Lightning: My Autobiography. New York: HarperCollins, 2013. Print.
Gréhaigne, Jean-Francis, Jean –François Richard, and Linda Griffin. Teaching and Learning Team Sports and Games.New York: Routledge, 2005. Print
