Writes Wes Baker: "I agree in general with your (and your correspondent's) sentiment on NBC's 'nationalistic' bent. But they are participating in the market. Americans love a jingoistic, chest-thumping feast, and that's what NBC is providing.

"As for Bolt, in my opinion, he's as juiced as he can be, a la Ben Johnson. Until this year Bolt never ran below a 10. The sports media would have us believe that this is due to his height, 6'5", and, therefore, his inability for quick starts. That's why he's always concentrated on the 200m. That long gait is magic after 30m. But to never run below a 10 until this year sends up a lot of red flags. No progression from 10's to high, high 9's. Just 10's and then suddenly world record times in a year. Sprinting doesn't work that way.

"Incidentally, Bolt, in the last ten meters, was jeering his teammate, Powell, who had been 'picked' as the 'world's fastest man' before the race. And Powell will be a relay member in Jamaica's relay next week. So much for forward thinking.

"Say what you will about Phelps. At least he doesn't taunt his teammates when the 'eyes of world' are on him. In fact, he graciously shakes their hands and the hands of his opponents.

"Jingoism aside: that's sportsmanship."