Make room, Carl Lewis. You too, Michael Johnson.
Usain Bolt could join your elite company by the time these world championships are finished.
The hard-charging, fun-seeking Jamaican will chase after two more world titles this week that would give him eight in his career, tying him with Lewis and Johnson for most all time.
These days, Bolt hardly takes a backseat to them, or anyone else. Plus, he's in charge of rescuing a sport that's been recently riddled with doping offenses. Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Sherone Simpson all tested positive weeks before the competition.
Then, Trinidad and Tobago sprinter Kelly-Ann Baptiste withdrew from 100 because she's involved in a doping case, her federation said today. Another dark cloud hovering over track.
"Every time drugs are brought up, it's hurtful to the sport. I hate it," said former sprinter Maurice Greene, who has won five world titles.
"Track needs stars like Bolt. But he's not the only person in this sport that's a star. We have plenty of stars. But it's good that he shows his personality. He's able to have fun with the crowd. That's why people gravitate to him. That's why they love him.
"More than that, you need to have great races to overcome all of that (bad) news."
Bolt's rain-soaked performance Sunday night certainly qualifies as a memorable race.
Usually, bolt provides the electricity on the track. This time, Mother Nature took care of it with flashes of lightning going off in the distance.
In stormy conditions, Bolt roared back after falling behind Justin Gatlin to recapture his 100 title. Sun, rain, heat, whatever, the conditions really don't matter because the fastest man on the planet always seems in his element whenever he sets foot on the track.
"I continue to work on my aim to become a legend by collecting gold medals and athlete of year titles," Bolt said. He may already be there.
