Jamaican sprinters Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake issued public apologies after being accused of disrespecting their country’s national anthem during a medal ceremony at the recent World Championships.
Blake, the new 100-meter world champion, and Bolt earned the wrath of fans back home for clowning around on the podium. The young duo helped Jamaica set a world record in the 4×100-meter relay final in Daegu, South Korea.
Their behaviour prompted a flood of critical calls to Jamaican radio stations in the days after the race.
Bolt, who claimed the 200m in record fashion, states he is sorry for his transgressions.
“I realise that my actions during the playing of the national anthem could be interpreted as being disrespectful,” Bolt said. “This was certainly not my intention as I had only just competed at the very highest level and was still overjoyed.
“As an ambassador for the sport and my country, I know my responsibilities and I will never do anything to put that in jeopardy.”
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