BEIJING (Reuters) - Crowd-pleaser David Beckham applauded Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt on Saturday for his showmanship in smashing three world records.
"He's so talented. It's great, if you're that good," the English footballer and flagbearer for London's 2012 Olympics said of Bolt's exploits, including a 100 metre victory when he slowed down to thump his chest in celebration before finishing.
"If you've got the confidence he's got ... it's right. It's such a big stage, the whole world's watching you. So if at the end of the day you can perform like many people have performed over here, and especially him, you can gloat, it's good to see."
The comments by Beckham, in an interview with Reuters and Britain's Press Association, were the latest backing for Bolt after International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge accused him of lacking respect for other athletes.
rrrrrrrrrrrrrr sexy becks nuh seh anada word in english ah nuff ppl seh di reuter dem ah keep up f**kry suh we ah get backing long time u zimmie suh maddddddddddd gwaan step to dem bolt we love u