Quality Journalism

[thorson1987]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/commonwealth-games/usain-bolts-commonwealth-games-press-conference-was-insane/story-fn5k3in0-1227003036202

Usain Bolt’s Commonwealth Games press conference was insane

AND this is why journalists get a bad reputation.

Usain Bolt, one of the biggest stars in world sport, rocks into town and they ask him about ... Gaza? About the Scottish referendum?

Come on, man.

The Jamaican six-time Olympic champion was holding his first press conference since arriving in Glasgow as the only bona fide global superstar of the Commonwealth Games.

But rather than treat Bolt with respect, the press made a mockery of the situation.

“You’ll be aware that the Commonwealth Games are the friendly Games, with a subtext of human rights,” one journalist began.

“In the past, the Israel and Palestine territories have tried to join the Commonwealth.

“You’re a man of the world. What is your view?”

A bemused Bolt responded: “The view on what situation?”

“The situation in Gaza and Israel right now,” the journalist added.

Bolt raised his hands in the air.

“For me, I hear about it but I don’t really follow politics so I can’t really comment unless I have the full details.”

Then it was a Scottish journalist’s turn to make a fool of herself.

“Can I just ask you what your opinion is of an independence referendum on Scotland coming up in a couple of months’ time. Have you got any thoughts?”

Bolt laughed.

“I didn’t even know that. I’m sorry.”

Bolt arrived on stage with local schoolkids and the Games mascot, all of them performing his trademark pose in unison.

But it was the journos who stole the show with the ridiculous questioning.

Channel 10 reporter Roz Kelly also copped heat on social media for asking for a selfie with Bolt.

When the questions finally turned to what is relevant – whether or not he would be competing at the Games – Bolt confirmed he would run in the 4x100m relay.

“For me it was very important (to be here),” Bolt said.

“I will be running in the heats of the relay because I need the runs, this is my first run for the season so I really need to get it going.”

And his expectation of his first visit of Glasgow?

“A lot of rain maybe and seeing a lot of kilts around the place.”

The world’s fastest man could not get out of that press conference quick enough.

 

[Misanthrope]

What an odd situation in which to quiz him about current politics.

While I don't think it's a stretch for him to have a passing knowledge of the situation in the Gaza, why the hell would he have an opinion on the Scottish independence referendum?