Champion's celebrations leave Rogge run-down

BEIJING - IOC president Jacques Rogge criticized Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt today for showing a lack of respect to other competitors after his record-setting gold medal performances in the 100 and 200 meters.

"That's not the way we perceive being a champion," Rogge said.

The International Olympic Committee chief hailed Bolt's stunning achievements in the two sprints, comparing him with American great Jesse Owens, but said Bolt should have cut out the look-at-me flaunting and acknowledged the other athletes.

"I have no problem with him doing a show," Rogge said in an interview with three international news agency reporters. "I think he should show more respect for his competitors and shake hands, give a tap on the shoulder to the other ones immediately after the finish, and not make gestures like the one he made in the 100 meters."

Having built a huge lead in Saturday's 100 final, Bolt slowed, glanced around with arms outstretched, and pounded his chest before crossing the finish line in a world-record time of 9.69 seconds.

Bolt, who turned 22 today, stormed to another one-sided victory last night in the 200, breaking Michael Johnson's 12-year-old record of 19.32 seconds and lowering the mark to 19.30.

Bolt made little effort to congratulate the other runners as he wrapped himself in a Jamaican flag and set off on a solo victory lap. He walked barefoot around the track, putting his face inches from a TV camera, raising an index finger, and yelling, "I am No. 1! I am No. 1!"