Back in the 1960s, I did a story on the dietary regimen of the Indians’ miniature-sized centerfielder Vic Davalillo, who began each day by cracking a couple of raw eggs into a huge glass of orange juice. He got his daily requirement of Vitamin C and protein in one gulp.
It seemed to work. At 5-foot-7 and 150 pounds, Davalillo played until he was 44 years old. He compiled a lifetime batting average of .279 and he appeared in four World Series with three different teams.
Over the last four decades Betty Crocker has gone out of style. The personal trainer has evolved into the personal chemist.
It seems that every great accomplishment is tainted by suspicion because of Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, the Tour de France, Ben Johnson and that ilk.
You could go through Davalillo’s garbage and find egg shells. You go through the garbage of those other guys and you find needles.
In this skeptical environment, I look at the Jamaican track team and wonder, “How did they get so good, so fast?” So fast is the operative term.
The Jamaicans dominated both the men’s and women’s sprints in the recent Beijing Olympics, with Usain Bolt shattering world records in winning the men’s 100- and 200-meter dashes.
“I think they’re clean,” said the highly respected Ted Theodore, former track great at Baldwin-Wallace College and retired Euclid High track coach.
Theodore and his wife just returned from Beijing. It was their seventh Olympics. They were at almost every track and field event.
“Bolt looked like he was shot from a gun,” said Theodore. “He’s animated. He’s only 22. He’s a delight to watch.
“The Jamaicans are for real. They love to run.”
Theodore, who is 76, has a well-trained eye. I hope he’s right. In the wake of drug scandals which have blemished track and field, Bolt is the brightest light in that sport in years. We’re awaiting results of the Olympic drug tests, of course. I’m rooting for Bolt to pass that one in world record time, as well.
Some people think he’s a showboat because in winning the 100 meters in Beijing, he began celebrating with 10 yards to go. That’s how far ahead he was.
I’ve got no problem with that. I see a 22-year-old kid who just set a world record on the biggest stage in the history of the world. That deserves more than a pat on the back and an “attaboy.” Bolt can do anything except contain his joy. I’ll sign off on that.
This free spirit also has a big heart. With endorsement offers piling up, he’s headed for fortune as well as fame. Before leaving China, he said “thank you” for their hospitality by donating $50,000 to the relief fund for victims of the recent Chinese earthquake.
It’s nice to know that the Jamaicans have more than just a good bobsled team.
Dan Coughlin is a columnist for The Chronicle-Telegram and a sportscaster for Channel 8. Contact him at 329-7135 or ctsports@chroniclet.com.
 

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