Donald Quarrie - file

bridgetown, b arbados (cmc)

Former Olympic champion and Jamaican track-and-field legend Don Quarrie has come to the defence of countryman Usain Bolt, following accusations of showboating made by Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Speaking early yesterday in Beijing during a conference at the 29th Olympiad, Quarrie said Rogge might have got it all wrong when he accused the 22-year-old double world-record holder and Olympic champion of not respecting his opponents.

"There was no showboating on his part. Usain, being a young man, is still maturing. He was just enthusiastic, very happy. There was never any animosity," said the Jamaican icon, who won the 200 metres gold at the 1976 Games in Montreal.

"It came from within. What he does, there is nothing negative for the sport. He was just so overwhelmed at what was going on. He is funny, playful, happy and that is what came out after he ran."

The Jamaican won the 100 metres in 9.69 seconds last Saturday and returned to win the 200 metres in 19.30 seconds on Wednesday, one day before he turned 22.

Rogge said he believed Bolt should have focused on congratulating his opponents after the race instead of celebrating as he did.

"That's not the way we perceive being a champion. I have no problem with him doing a show," Rogge was quoted as saying.

"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 metres."