Usain Bolt denies calling Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games ‘a bit shit’ | Sport | The Guardian Usain Bolt denies calling Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games ‘a bit shit’ • Bolt dismisses reports of his comments as ‘nonsense’ • The Times stands by claims “100%” Jamiaca’s Usain Bolt at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Photograph: Barcroft Media Usain Bolt denies calling Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games ‘a bit shit’ • Bolt dismisses reports of his comments as ‘nonsense’ • The Times stands by claims “100%” Wednesday 30 July 2014 19.22 EDT First published on Wednesday 30 July 2014 04.30 EDT Close This article is 2 years old The row between Usain Bolt and the Times over whether he called the Commonwealth Games “a bit shit” shows no sign of abating – with the newspaper insisting they stand by the story “100%” and Bolt calling it “nonsense”.

Bolt has spent most of his time in Glasgow in his room in the athletes’ village, but he did venture out on Wednesday to watch Jamaica’s netball team, the Sunshine Girls, lose 50-42 to New Zealand . And while he appeared relaxed, posing for photographs with volunteers, waving a Jamaican flag, and even vigorously joining a Mexican wave, his entourage quickly called for security when he was approached by journalists for a comment. One reporter, the Daily Mail’s Jonathan McEvoy, had his accreditation ripped off him in a heated row with one security guard before being led out of the netball arena – although he was later allowed to return. His crime, he claimed, was to say to Bolt’s agent Ricky Simms “is he denying that he did the interview?” According to the Times journalist, Katie Gibbons, she approached Bolt on Tuesday as he waited in the rain for his car at the athletes’ village. After she showed Bolt her media accreditation, he reportedly said that “the Olympics were better”, that he was “not really” having fun in Glasgow, and that he felt the Games were “a bit shit”, before he left “to do some business”.

The Times published a 70-word transcript of the conversation in Thursday’s paper. The paper’s Scottish editor, Angus Macleod, said he had full confidence in Gibbons, adding: “We stand by this story 100%. We have utter confidence in this story.” As Bolt passed Gibbons at the netball mixed zone on Wednesday, she shouted to him: “Why did you deny what you said to me yesterday?” Bolt didn’t appear to hear – or didn’t want to hear. His response to a question about what he thought of the Games consisted of one word: “Awesome.” However, earlier the Jamaican sprinter was more forthcoming on Twitter , saying: “I’m waking up to this nonsense. journalist please don’t create lies to make headlines”. Simms also claimed the reports were “utter rubbish”, adding: “The atmosphere in and around the stadiums has been absolutely fantastic and I have absolutely no idea where these quotes have come from.” Pinterest Many of Jamaica’s netball players appeared to wave at Bolt at half-time, but afterwards they were reluctant to talk about whether his appearance had distracted them.

“Can’t you ask me a question about the game?” said Romelda Aiken, while the team’s goal defence, Stacian Facey, insisted: “I didn’t even know he was here.” Games officials have denied the row is distracting from the competition. Mike Hooper, the chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said: “We take Mr Bolt at his word. His tweet says it all. These are a fantastic Games. “As you saw in his press conference last Saturday he is very upbeat. He is really positive about running the relay and I don’t wish to comment on the journalist and work of the Times.” Bolt, who has not raced all season because of a foot injury, is due to run in the heats of the 4x100m relay Thursday night and the finals on Saturday. When he met the media last weekend he insisted he was eager to make his Commonwealth Games debut, having missed Melbourne through injury in 2006 and Delhi in 2010 because the event came too late in the season. Cynics, however, suspect his multi-million pound sponsorship deal with Virgin – who are “the official presenting partner of athletics” at these Games - has played a part in his involvement too.

Another Jamaican sprinter, Jason Livermore, also expressed disquiet about the Games. Asked what he was making of the life in the athletes’ village and his well-being he told the BBC: “Well it can be better – things can be a little bit better for us. Can be better in a lot of sense. We have to just enjoy and give God thanks.” Speaking after his 200m heat, he added: “I hope Usain’s having a better time than me. The people in Scotland are very welcoming so I can’t complain. There’s a nice atmosphere and a nice crowd. But it’s very cold. Back in Jamaica it’s not like this. I need to get me some clothes. It’s freezing.” On Monday, the Jamaican 100m sprinter Kemar Bailey-Cole negatively compared his Glasgow experience with that of London 2012. “I can’t compare them,” he said. “London was really different food. It was way better than this. Scottish food could do with some more seasoning”. A question about whether he had tried haggis was met with a look of outright horror. Usain St.

Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) I'm waking up to this nonsense..journalist please don't create lies to make headlines Glasgow 2014: Usain Bolt says Games slur claims are 'nonsense' - BBC News BBC News Glasgow 2014: Usain Bolt says Games slur claims are 'nonsense' 30 July 2014 Media captionBolt described the Games as "awesome" after watching a netball match at the SECC Usain Bolt has described claims he made disparaging comments about the Commonwealth Games as "nonsense". The Times newspaper quoted the Olympic 100m champion as saying he was "not really" having fun in Glasgow. Bolt said on Twitter : "I'm waking up to this nonsense.. journalist please don't create lies to make headlines". He later told reporters he thought the Games were "awesome", but the Times said it was standing by its story. The newspaper's Scottish editor, Angus Macleod, said: "We stand by this story 100%. We have utter confidence in this story." It is understood the reporter who wrote the story has "verbatim notes" of her conversation with Bolt.

Bolt did not comment when asked about the Times article as he arrived at the SECC to watch Jamaica play New Zealand at netball. The 27-year-old athlete appeared relaxed, posing for photographs and signing autographs before joining in with a Mexican wave. As he left the venue, he shouted "awesome" to reporters who asked how he felt about the Games. Image copyright Twitter Image caption Bolt took to Twitter to dismiss the newspaper claims His manager, Ricky Simms, earlier told the BBC the newspaper allegations were "utter rubbish". Mr Simms added: "The atmosphere in and around the stadiums has been absolutely fantastic and I have absolutely no idea where these quotes have come from." The Times claimed Bolt had been waiting in the rain for his car to arrive shortly after meeting members of the royal family at the athletes' village in the east end of Glasgow on Tuesday. It quoted the world 100m record holder as saying the Glasgow Games were "a bit shit" and that he thought "the Olympics were better". Bolt, who has been staying in the athletes' village, then left "to do some business", according to the newspaper's report.

By Neil Johnston, BBC Sport Usain Bolt turned up to watch the Jamaican women's netball team take on New Zealand after denying claims he made disparaging comments about the Commonwealth Games. The Times newspaper quoted the Olympic 100m champion as saying he was "not really" having fun in Glasgow. But Bolt was all smiles as he appeared during the second quarter of the match at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre at 11:50. Bolt, flanked by other Jamaican team-mates, looked relaxed and signed autographs for fans during the interval. He also smiled for photographs from fans sat around him. However, media were ushered away from Bolt when they tried to approach the sprinter. Bolt did not reply when asked by BBC Sport on his arrival at the SECC if he was enjoying his time in Glasgow. He later took part in a Mexican Wave. If he really is not enjoying his time in Glasgow, then he is doing a fine job at disguising it. A huge cheer went up as his face appeared on the big screen. One elderly lady approached him and whispered something in his ear before patting him on the shoulder. Bolt responded with a beaming smile.

Speaking after winning his 200m heat on Wednesday morning, Jamaican sprinter Jason Livermore appeared to suggest he was not entirely happy with life in the athletes' village. He told the BBC that the Scottish weather conditions were "tough" for Jamaican athletes, but added "we are enjoying the Games" and "honestly we can't complain". When asked what he was making of life in the village and life in general, Livermore responded: "Well it can be better - things can be a little bit better for us. Can be better in a lot of sense. We have to just enjoy and give God thanks." We're not trying to be the Olympic Games. We're about the celebration of the Commonwealth, sport and culture within the Commonwealth Mike Hooper, Commonwealth Games Federation However, Livermore declined to reveal what specifically he was unhappy with, adding: "I won't say. I won't say". The Jamaican team's press attache, Laurel Smith, told BBC Sport that he believed Bolt may have become frustrated at not being able to "roam about". He added: "But it was like that at London 2012. He basically goes to training and comes back.

"You can only play so many video games in your room. He's a free spirit, but it requires security organisation when he wants to roam. "He even gets a bagman to get his food from the canteen because it would create too much of a stir if he was there. "But one thing is for sure, he is enjoying himself in Glasgow." Bolt, who has never before competed in a Commonwealth Games, will not participate in any individual events in Glasgow 2014. However, he has agreed to run in the heats of the sprint relay on Friday. The final will be held at Hampden Park on Saturday. Five-times Olympic rowing champion Sir Steve Redgrave said he did not believe the Games were a priority for Bolt, whose season has been hampered by a foot injury. He said: "When you're a world megastar as he is, the Olympics is his platform, the world platform that he's looking for.

"I don't think the Commonwealth Games has captured his imagination or he'd have been trying to compete in all the events that he normally competes in instead of just the relay, so that's a little bit disappointing." 'Brilliant time' The arrival of Bolt, a six-time Olympic champion, in Glasgow at the weekend sparked a media frenzy , with Bolt facing a barrage of questions on subjects ranging from the respective political situations in Scotland and Gaza (no comment on either) to whether he wanted to play football for Manchester United (yes). Responding to the Times article, a spokesman for the Commonwealth Games Federation said: "The Glasgow Games have so far been fantastic and everyone there, including the competing athletes, seems to be having a brilliant time. "Usain Bolt must just be having an off day." The federation later said it was "pleased" with Bolt's response to the newspaper report. Chief executive Mike Hooper said: "We take Mr Bolt at his word.

We're very pleased with how he's responded and that's our position." Media captionFans react to reports that Usain Bolt criticised Glasgow and the Commonwealth Games Referring to Bolt's press conference appearance on Saturday, Mr Hooper added: "He's very upbeat, very positive, very focused on delivering for his fellow countrymen in the relay events. "He has said what he's said and I don't wish to comment on the journalistic work of The Times. "We're not trying to be the Olympic Games. We're about the celebration of the Commonwealth, sport and culture within the Commonwealth, and what a fantastic event we are seeing here in Glasgow. "These Games continue to go from strength to strength." Glasgow 2014 spokeswoman Jackie Brock-Doyle added: "I think he (Bolt) woke up to the story like everyone else. "His tweet says it all.

He has woken up to something he didn't believe he said yesterday." Usain Bolt: Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 'a bit s***' - Telegraph Usain Bolt: Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 'a bit s***' Usain Bolt risks upsetting Commonwealth Games hosts Scotland by saying the Glasgow Games don't compare to London Usain Bolt met Prince Harry on the same day he is said to have made the comments Photo: PA Follow A bitter war of words has erupted at the Commonwealth Games over reports in The Times that Usain Bolt called the event "a bit sh*t". The Jamaican sprinter dismissed the claims as "nonsense" and "lies" on Twitter while his manager said the story was "utter rubbish". Games organisers publicly backed Bolt's version of events at a morning press conference, saying the athlete should be taken at his word. Yet The Times defended the accuracy of the story, with the newspaper's Scottish editor tweeting that he trusted the reporter in question. Related Articles Inspired English gymnasts revel in golden double 29 Jul 2014 It is understood that Bolt was approached by a Times journalist in the athletes village on Tuesday, who identified herself as a reporter and asked about the Games.

Bolt is quoted in the newspaper as saying he was "not really" having fun, calling the Games "a bit s---" and claiming "the Olympics were better". He was said to be waiting in the drizzle for a car and looking "obviously unhappy". The comments are embarrassing for Games organisers, who have spent months courting the world's fastest man and paraded him to the media just days ago. Some fans have expressed disappointment that Bolt is not competing in the 100m or 200m single sprints in Glasgow – the races for which he is best known – choosing instead to represent Jamaica in the relays. Bolt challenged the reports of his comments on Tuesday morning, tweeting: "I'm waking up to this nonsense. journalist please don't create lies to make headlines." Ricky Simms, Bolt's manager, told the BBC the reports were "utter rubbish". "The atmosphere in and around the stadiums has been absolutely fantastic and I have absolutely no idea where these quotes have come from," he said. Yet Angus Macleod, Scottish editor of The Times, tweeted that Bolt "was simply asked if he was enjoying Glasgow.

And I trust my reporter." Mike Hooper, chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation, was asked about Bolt's comments during a daily media briefing. "It's a very candid Twitter quote. I'm sure you can get it very quickly. That's your answer," he said. Mr Hooper later added: "Look, we take Mr Bolt at his word. We are very pleased with how he has responded. I think that's our position. "These are a fantastic Games. You guys all heard him when he came here for his first press conference that he did. He is very up beat, very positive, very focused on delivering for his fellow countrymen in the relay events and I'm sure we are going to see a great event in a few days time. "I think we take the man at his word. He has said what he said. I don't wish to comment on the journalistic work of The Times. That's for them to comment back on." &amp;lt;noframe&amp;gt;Twitter: Usain St.

Leo Bolt - I'm waking up to this nonsense..journalist please don't create lies to make headlines&amp;lt;/noframe&amp;gt; Asked about Bolt's comparison between Glasgow 2014 and London 2012, Mr Hooper said: "As I've said many many times, we're not trying to be the Olympic Games, we are not the Olympic Games. "We are very much of and for the Commonwealth. A celebration of the Commonwealth, the sport and culture within the Commonwealth. "And what a fantastic event we are seeing here in Glasgow. These Games continue to go from strength to strength. ... We're not interested in comparisons. We are where we are and proud of it." Shona Robison, Scotland's minister for the Commonwealth Games, said: "Usain Bolt has described the comments in the media today as nonsense and dismissed them outright." "Glasgow is fantastic and the Games have been amazing on so many fronts, so well organised and a great experience for everyone involved. That is what everyone who has been here has said.

"Visitors and athletes are feeding back that they are having a great time and I think that speaks volumes to what the real story is about these Games and about Glasgow and Scotland." As Bolt made his way out of the Netball hall today, with media shouting questions at him regarding his opinion of the Games, he shouted "awesome" in response before security ensured a swift exit. Whatever Usain Bolt said or didn’t say, these Games are a bit of a hit | Andy Bull | Sport | The Guardian Sportblog Whatever Usain Bolt said or didn’t say, these Games are a bit of a hit The world sprint star is too media savvy – with a brand to protect and sponsors to satisfy – to have put his foot in it. But it must be said that Glasgow 2014 has been a glorious success Usain Bolt turns cheerleader for Jamaica’s netball team during the game against New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games. Photograph: Art Widak/Demotix/Corbis Sportblog Whatever Usain Bolt said or didn’t say, these Games are a bit of a hit The world sprint star is too media savvy – with a brand to protect and sponsors to satisfy – to have put his foot in it.

But it must be said that Glasgow 2014 has been a glorious success Wednesday 30 July 2014 11.19 EDT Last modified on Monday 4 April 2016 10.57 EDT Share on Messenger Close Well, that’s let the cat out of the bag. Usain Bolt, in an unguarded moment, has reportedly let slip that he thinks the Commonwealth Games are “a bit shit”, and that the “Olympics are better”. Perhaps he was entirely misquoted , or utterly unaware that he was talking to a journalist. The man is surely too smart, too PR savvy, to have knowingly made such remarks on the record, which is why he wisely chose not to offer an opinion on the situation in Gaza when he was asked about it on Saturday. If he said it, and he has described the story as “nonsense” and “lies” , it would be the first and worst false step he has taken since he shot out of the blocks a split second too soon and was disqualified from the 100m final at the world championships in 2011. Three thoughts occur.

The first is that it is a shame, if entirely understandable, that if he really does feel that way he cannot come out and explain why. He might even find some sympathy for his views, given that he is, by all reports, spending most of his time holed up in his tiny room at the athletes’ village because he knows that whenever he goes outside he will be pestered by people seeking photographs and, yes, journalists seeking stories. But he has a brand to protect, and sponsors to satisfy. Virgin Media, who reportedly pay Bolt £2m for his services, are also the “Presenting Partner of athletics” at the Commonwealth Games. You can see their logo on the back of the starting blocks at the athletics events. The second is that whether he said it or not there is nothing wrong with a little criticism. It is, if nothing else, a tonic to the coverage provided by the BBC, who are so very keen to justify their enormous investment in the Games. In 2009 Ben Bradshaw MP, then the secretary for culture, media and sport, recommended that the Games should be dropped from the crown jewels list of protected sporting events that should be shown on free-to-air TV.

That in itself could be considered symptomatic of their diminished standing, though it did not happen. At the time the Games organisers explained that the decision would leave them with a £20m hole in their budget, since that was the value they placed on the domestic TV rights. The BBC said it was a “multimillion pound agreement”. That, of course, is before you factor in the costs of providing blanket coverage across TV, internet and radio. Third, and most pertinent, is that if Bolt really does think these Games are “a bit shit”, he should have seen the 2010 edition in Delhi. He was one of a number of athletes who did not go, along with Jess Ennis, Chris Hoy, Christine Ohuruogu, David Rudisha and a host of others. In the blue riband event, the men’s 100m, not one of the 11 fastest athletes in the Commonwealth that year bothered to turn up. (Pop quiz: can you name the 2010 Commonwealth Games 100m champion? The answer is Jamaica’s Lerone Clarke.

His winning time was 10.12sec, the slowest since Don Quarrie won in 10.38sec in 1974.) Ostensibly, Bolt’s reason was that the Games “fell too late in the season”. Others simply explained that they were worried about the security situation. Which was understandable given that the policing was, in part, being done by specially trained monkeys . Then there were the conditions in the village. Some arrived to find their rooms were unfinished, their bathrooms either flooded or covered in dirt and plaster and, in one memorable case, muddy animal tracks across the bed . A bridge collapsed at the main stadium . A malfunctioning security barrier impaled the car of a Ugandan diplomat . There were pigeons nesting in rafters at the swimming pool, crapping into the water . The roof fell in at the weightlifting arena . Charlotte Purdue was attacked by red kites while she was training . The diving pool was too shallow. The scales at the boxing were so faulty that a bunch of competitors were sent off to spend two hours in the sauna and returned to find that they had gained weight . Scores of athletes came down with food poisoning .

Some venues were so empty that after a few days the organisers resorted to bringing in busloads of soldiers and schoolchildren to fill the seats . Despite it all, there were still some highlights. Like the memorable night when 60,000 fans turned up to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to cheer on the India women’s 4x400m team. They won gold, and, as Seb Coe said at the time it felt like “the moment that could change the course of athletics in Asia, the moment that could inspire thousands of people who’d never even seen an athletics track before to get involved”. A year later, three of them were banned after they failed drugs tests. One of the main legacies has been a four-year-long investigation into alleged corruption by city officials, which is still ongoing. The 2010 Games were, without doubt, one of the single sorriest sporting events I’ve covered for the Guardian in a career that has also included a pig-racing contest in Dorset, and the World Indoor Bowls Championships at Potters Leisure Centre, five miles outside Lowestoft. Even the BBC conceded that it was not exactly appointment television .

The blunt truth is that, whether Bolt said it or not, the Commonwealth Games do sometimes seem, in a very British way, “a bit shit”, as anyone who has just paid £7.50 for a cheeseburger during a wet morning at the lawn bowls preliminaries might admit. In a little skit on his HBO show Last Week Tonight, John Oliver described them as an “off Broadway Olympics” . Yet, for everyone willing to suspend their scepticism, the last week has also been utterly glorious, a success simply because of the enthusiasm and excitement felt by thousands of Glaswegians who have filled every venue here, from the squash at Scotstoun to the rugby sevens at Ibrox to the morning sessions of the athletics at Hampden. “People make Glasgow” is one of the slogans the city has been using. They make the Games too. And on those grounds alone, these ones have been a lot of fun, better, for sure, than the Delhi edition. Not that Bolt would know it. Usain Bolt: ‘Comm Games are s**t’ Email a friend NOW we know what sprinting superstar Usain Bolt really thinks about the Commonwealth Games.

According to The Times , the world’s fastest man was waiting for his car in the athletes’ village overnight when he unleashed a thunderbolt, saying the Games are “a bit s**t” and “the Olympics were better”. The awkward thing is, he’s right. “Look Usain, there goes your popularity in Scotland.”Source:Getty Images We’ve sorted through a long series of results from Glasgow 2014 and London 2012, comparing winning times and determining where the Commonwealth Games champions would have placed at the Olympics. There’s only one conclusion. Many athletes who have won gold in the absence of nations such as China, Russia and the United States would have missed out on medals altogether if they’d posted identical times in London. MORE: Prince Harry’s cheeky question to Bolt James Magnussen has won two gold medals in Glasgow. But don’t get too excited.Source:Getty Images Australian swimmer James Magnussen, who has supposedly expelled some demons by winning two events at the Commonwealth Games, is a perfect example. Magnussen was under huge pressure when he arrived in Glasgow, having failed to win a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics.

Since the start of the Games, he has claimed four medals, two of which were gold. MORE: Usain’s insane press conference Here’s the inconvenient part. Magnussen’s winning time in the 100m freestyle at these Games would have earned him eighth place in London. Instead of hanging a silver medal around his neck — not a bad consolation prize, really — Magnussen would have finished behind swimmers you’ve never heard of, such as Cuba’s Hanser Garcia and Brazil’s Cielo Filho. This image shows where Kemar Bailey-Cole would have come in the 100m sprint in London.Source:news.com.au It’s a similar story across all the events in Glasgow. Kemar Bailey-Cole, who won the men’s 100m sprint with a time of 10 seconds flat on Tuesday morning, would have come eighth in London as well. In the final, he only would have beaten compatriot Asafa Powell, who slowed down after injuring his groin. Incidentally, the five fastest men from that race — Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay and Ryan Bailey — were all missing from the event in Glasgow.

Granted, in some rare instances, our athletes have performed better at the Commonwealth Games. Australian runner Emma Jackson, who came fifth in the triathlon, would have won an Olympic gold medal with the same time in London. For the most part, however, the results at these Games are far less impressive. We’ve examined 27 events below. Emma Jackson’s Commonwealth Games time would have earned her a gold medal at the London Olympics.Source:News Corp Australia MEN’S 100M SPRINT Usain Bolt (Jamaica), with a time of 9.63 seconds. Commonwealth champion Kemar Bailey-Cole (Jamaica), with a time of 10 seconds. He would have come eighth in London. Kemar Bailey-Cole won the men’s 100m sprint at the Commonwealth Games.Source:AP WOMEN’S 100M SPRINT Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica), with a time of 10.75. Commonwealth champion Blessing Okagbare (Nigeria), with a time of 10.85. She would have come equal fourth in London, alongside American sprinter Tianna Madison.

Blessing Okagbare claimed gold in the women’s 100m.Source:Getty Images MEN’S MARATHON Stephen Kiprotich (Uganda), with a time of 2:08:01. Commonwealth champion Michael Shelley (Australia), with a time of 2:11:15. He would have finished sixth at the Olympics, which is undeniably respectable. Australian Michael Shelley won the men’s marathon.Source:AFP WOMEN’S MARATHON Tiki Gelana (Ethiopia), with a time of 2:23:07. Commonwealth champion Flomena Daniel (Kenya), with a time of 2:26:45. She would have come 15th in London. Gold medallist Flomena Daniel of Kenya.Source:Getty Images WOMEN’S TRIATHLON Nicola Spirig (Switzerland), with a time of 1:59:48. Commonwealth champion Jodie Stimpson (England), with a time of 1:58:56. Australia’s Emma Jackson came fifth at the Commonwealth Games, but her time would have won a gold medal in London.

Jodie Stimpson won the women’s triathlon.Source:Getty Images MEN’S TRIATHLON Alistair Brownlee (England), with a time of 1:46.25. Commonwealth champion Alistair Brownlee (England) again, with a time of 1:48.50. That would have earned him 15th place at the Olympics. Alistair Brownlee of England, who won the men’s triathlon.Source:Getty Images MEN’S 4x100M FREESTYLE RELAY Olympic champion France, with a time of 3:09.93. Commonwealth champion Australia, with a time of 3:13.44. Magnussen’s boys would have equalled their fourth-placing from London, but with a worse time. Australia’s 4x100m freestyle relay team.Source:Getty Images WOMEN’S 4x100M FREESTYLE RELAY Olympic champion Australia, with a time of 3:33.15. Commonwealth champion Australia, with a time of 3:30.96. That’s a world record. Enough said.

Cate Campbell, Emma McKeon, Bronte Campbell and Melanie Schlanger.Source:AFP MEN’S 100M FREESTYLE Nathan Adrian (USA), with a time of 47.52. Commonwealth champion James Magnussen (Australia), with a time of 48.11. He would have come eighth at the Olympics, with a slower time than he managed in London. James Magnussen won the 100m freestyle at the Commonwealth Games.Source:Getty Images WOMEN’S 100M FREESTYLE Ranomi Kromowidjojo (Netherlands), with a time of 53.00. Commonwealth champion Cate Campbell (Australia), with a time of 52.68. Cate and her sister Bronte (52.86) actually would have finished first and second in London. Bronte (left) and Cate (right) Campbell celebrate after finishing first and second.Source:Getty Images MEN’S 200M FREESTYLE Yannick Agnel (France), with a time of 1:43.14.

Commonwealth champion Thomas Fraser-Holmes (Australia), with a time of 1:45.08. He would have finished fifth, just behind American superstar Ryan Lochte, in London. Thomas Fraser-Holmes won the 200m freestyle in Glasgow.Source:AP WOMEN’S 200M FREESTYLE Allison Schmitt (USA), with a time of 1:53.61. Commonwealth champion Emma McKeon (Australia), with a time of 1:55.57. She would have come second at the Olympics. Emma McKeon smiles after winning the 200m freestyle.Source:Getty Images MEN’S 400M INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY Olympic champion Ryan Lochte (USA), with a time of 4:05.18. Commonwealth champion Daniel Wallace (Scotland), with a time of 4:11.20. He would have come fifth in London, one place behind Michael Phelps. Daniel Wallace won gold in front of his home fans.Source:Getty Images WOMEN’S 200M BREASTSTROKE Rebecca Soni (USA), with a time of 2:19.59.

Commonwealth champion Taylor McKeown (Australia), with a time of 2:22.36. She would have come fifth in London, behind Rikke Pedersen of Denmark. Taylor McKeon won the 200m breaststroke for Australia.Source:AFP WOMEN’S 100M BACKSTROKE Missy Franklin (USA), with a time of 58.33. Commonwealth champion Emily Seebohm (Australia), with a time of 59.37. She would have finished eighth at the Olympics. Emily Seebohm won the 100m backstroke in Glasgow.Source:News Corp Australia WOMEN’S 4x200M FREESTYLE RELAY Olympic champion The USA, with a time of 7:42.92. Commonwealth champion Australia, with a time of 7:49.90. That’s a Commonwealth Games record, but it only would have earned us fourth place in London.

Gold medallists Emma McKeon, Alicia Coutts, Brittany Elmslie and Bronte Barratt.Source:AP MEN’S 4x200M FREESTYLE RELAY Olympic champion The USA, with a time of 6:59.70. Commonwealth champion Australia, with a time of 7:07.38. That would have been enough to come fifth at the Olympics. Thomas Fraser-Holmes, Ned McKendry, David McKeon and Cameron McEvoy.Source:News Corp Australia MEN’S 1500M FREESTYLE Yang Sun (China), with a time of 14:31.02. Commonwealth champion Ryan Cochrane (Canada), with a time of 14:44.03. He would have come fourth at the Olympics. Gold medallist Ryan Cochrane of Canada.Source:Getty Images WOMEN’S 400M FREESTYLE Camille Muffat (France), with a time of 4:01.45. Commonwealth champion Lauren Boyle (New Zealand), with a time of 4:04.47. She would have come fifth in London.

Lauren Boyle won the women’s 400m freestyle.Source:Getty Images MEN’S 50M FREESTYLE Florent Manaudou (France), with a time of 21.34. Commonwealth champion Benjamin Proud (England), with a time of 21.92. That doesn’t sound like much of a difference, but Proud would have come eighth at the Olympics. English gold medallist Benjamin Proud, who won the 50m freestyle.Source:Getty Images MEN’S 200M INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY Olympic champion Michael Phelps (USA), with a time of 1:54.27. Commonwealth champion Daniel Tranter (Australia), with a time of 1:57.83. He would have come sixth in London, behind swimmers from Brazil and Japan. Australia's Daniel Tranter celebrates winning the gold medal in the 200m individual medley.Source:AP WOMEN’S 200M BACKSTROKE Missy Franklin (USA), with a time of 2:04.06. Commonwealth champion Belinda Hocking (Australia), with a time of 2:07.24.

She would have come fourth in London, behind American Elizabeth Beisel. Belinda Hocking won the 200m backstroke for Australia.Source:AP MEN’S 200M BACKSTROKE Tyler Clary (USA), with a time of 1:53.41. Commonwealth champion Mitch Larkin (Australia), with a time of 1:55.83. He would have come sixth at the Olympics, behind swimmers from Poland and China. Mitch Larkin won the 200m backstroke at the Commonwealth Games.Source:AP WOMEN’S TRIPLE JUMP Olga Rypakova (Kazakhstan), with a distance of 14.98 metres. Commonwealth champion Kimberly Williams (Jamaica), with a distance of 14.21 metres. She would have come ninth in London. Jamaica's Kimberly Williams celebrates winning the women’s triple jump.Source:AFP WOMEN’S 400M Sanya Richards-Ross (USA), with a time of 49.55. Commonwealth champion Stephanie McPherson (Jamaica), with a time of 50.67. She would have come eighth at the Olympics.

Gold medallist Stephanie McPherson.Source:Getty Images MEN’S HAMMER THROW Krisztian Pars (Hungary), with a distance of 80.59. Commonwealth champion Jim Steacy (Canada), with a distance of 74.16. He would have come 10th in London. Canada's Jim Steacy celebrates winning the men's hammer throw.Source:AFP MEN’S 110M HURDLES Aries Merritt (USA), with a time of 12.92. Commonwealth champion Andrew Riley (Jamaica), with a time of 13.32. He would have come fourth at the Olympics. Gold medallist Andrew Riley of Jamaica.Source:Getty Images Glasgow 2014: Usain Bolt transcript published by The Times - BBC News BBC News Glasgow 2014: Usain Bolt transcript published by The Times 31 July 2014 Close share panel Image copyright AP Image caption Bolt told reporters he thought the Games were "awesome" after watching a netball match at the SECC on Wednesday The Times has released its transcript of a conversation in which it claimed Usain Bolt made disparaging remarks about the Commonwealth Games.

The newspaper reported on Wednesday that the Olympic 100m champion said he was not enjoying the Glasgow Games. But Bolt described the article as "nonsense" and "lies" on Twitter and later told reporters the Games were "awesome". The Times has now published its full account of the brief conversation. The newspaper's Scottish editor, Angus Macleod, said: "We stand by this story 100%. We have utter confidence in this story." The Times claimed that the 100m world record holder had been waiting in the rain for his car to arrive shortly after meeting members of the royal family at the athletes' village on Tuesday when he was approached by reporter Katie Gibbons. It said the brief encounter between the Jamaican sprinter and Ms Gibbons proceeded as follows: Katie Gibbons (KG): Hi Usain, I'm Katie Gibbons, a reporter from The Times. Nice to meet you. Usain Bolt (UB): Hi. KG: So are you enjoying the games? Are you having fun? UB: No. UB: I'm just not... it's a bit shit. (Shrugs, looks up to grey sky). KG: What do you mean? UB: I've only been here two days.

KG: Is it like the Olympics? UB: Nah. Olympics were better. KG: Really, how? KG: Where are you off to now? UB: To do some business. Bolt took to Twitter on Wednesday morning to dismiss the newspaper's account of the conversation, writing: "I'm waking up to this nonsense.. journalist please don't create lies to make headlines". His manager, Ricky Simms, also told the BBC the newspaper allegations were "utter rubbish". Mr Simms added: "The atmosphere in and around the stadiums has been absolutely fantastic and I have absolutely no idea where these quotes have come from." Later on Wednesday, Bolt turned up at the SECC to watch Jamaica play New Zealand at netball, but did not comment on the Times article. The 27-year-old athlete appeared relaxed, posing for photographs and signing autographs before joining in with a Mexican wave. As he left the venue, he shouted "awesome" to reporters who asked how he felt about the Games. Bolt, who has never before competed in a Commonwealth Games, will not participate in any individual events in Glasgow 2014. However, he has agreed to run in the heats of the sprint relay on Friday.

The final will be held at Hampden Park on Saturday. The arrival of the six-time Olympic champion in Glasgow at the weekend sparked a media frenzy , with Bolt facing a barrage of questions on subjects ranging from the respective political situations in Scotland and Gaza (no comment on either) to whether he wanted to play football for Manchester United (yes). Usain Bolt reportedly describes the Glasgow Commonwealth Games as 'a bit s---' Usain Bolt reportedly describes the Glasgow Commonwealth Games as 'a bit s---' Commonwealth Games News Athletics Replay Video Icon Bolt in Commonwealth Games s--t storm Usain Bolt dismisses making disparaging comments about the Commonwealth Games, throwing his support behind his team to watch the netball. PT1M17S 620 349 July 31, 2014 Day-by-day schedule Glasgow: Superstar athlete Usain Bolt has denied labelling the Commonwealth Games are "a bit shit", dismissing quotes in a newspaper report as nonsense. According to The Times , the world's fastest man said the Glasgow Games were "a bit shit", and that he was "not really" having fun. "The Olympics were better," he reportedly said as he waited for his car in the drizzle on Tuesday. Not a happy selfie ...

Usain Bolt at the netball on Thursday. Photo: AFP But the Jamaican runner used Twitter to deny the report on Wednesday. Advertisement "I'm waking up to this nonsense..journalist please dont create lies to make headlines," he said. Bolt's manager Ricky Simms told BBC Sport the remarks attributed to the athlete were "utter rubbish". Bolt from the .... Prince Harry with Usain Bolt in Glasgow. Photo: Reuters Simms added: "The atmosphere in and around the stadiums has been absolutely fantastic and I have absolutely no idea where these quotes have come from." I'm waking up to this nonsense..journalist please don't create lies to make headlines — Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) July 30, 2014 When asked about the reported criticisms from the Games' biggest drawcard, Commonwealth Games Federation chief Mike Hooper deferred to Bolt's Twitter statement. "We take Mr Bolt at his word," he told reporters. "We're very pleased with how he's responded and that's our position." Referring back to Bolt's weekend press conference, Hooper said: "He's very upbeat, very positive, very focused on delivering for his fellow countrymen in the relay events.

"He has said what he's said and I don't wish to comment on the journalistic work of The Times." The Jamaican spent part of Tuesday at a reception with the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, before the obligatory round of photo opportunities. Other than that, he has kept a low profile, having earlier said he would be trying to avoid the cameras as much as possible. Prior to Bolt's Twitter denial, Australia's team boss Steve Moneghetti said he'd spoken to all his 607 athletes and officials and had received nothing but positive feedback. "Village life is terrific, the accommodation, the training venues are outstanding. Our athletes are saying they are some of the best they've ever had," he said. Bolt arrived in Glasgow to a flurry of interest from the locals. Fellow athletes and officials have seemingly been desperate to get a ''selfie'' with the fastest man in the world. So, why has Bolt chosen to make his way to Scotland this time around?

Earlier this week he explained that having missed the 2006 Games in Melbourne with a strained hamstring and the 2010 Delhi version because it interrupted his world championships preparation, he was keen to run at an event "that Jamaicans have always been keen to take part in". The 4x100 metres relay heats will be his first hit-out of the year, he said, and he would have competed in the individual sprints, except for an injury that kept him out of the Jamaican team trials. "As long as there are athletes and there are eight lanes, there is competition," he said. When probed on whether he was actually going to run - and not just appear with the mascot and be an unofficial Games ambassador before pulling out - Bolt said with a laugh: "That is a weird question. I don’t have any other reason to travel all the way to Glasgow." Bolt promised he would definitely compete in the sprint relay heats on Friday. The Times reporter who wrote the Bolt story, Katie Gibbons, said via Twitter that a full transcript would be printed in the newspaper on Thursday.

AAP and Scott Spits Glasgow 2014: Usain Bolt transcript published by The Times - BBC News BBC News Glasgow 2014: Usain Bolt transcript published by The Times 31 July 2014 Close share panel Image copyright AP Image caption Bolt told reporters he thought the Games were "awesome" after watching a netball match at the SECC on Wednesday The Times has released its transcript of a conversation in which it claimed Usain Bolt made disparaging remarks about the Commonwealth Games. The newspaper reported on Wednesday that the Olympic 100m champion said he was not enjoying the Glasgow Games. But Bolt described the article as "nonsense" and "lies" on Twitter and later told reporters the Games were "awesome". The Times has now published its full account of the brief conversation. The newspaper's Scottish editor, Angus Macleod, said: "We stand by this story 100%. We have utter confidence in this story." The Times claimed that the 100m world record holder had been waiting in the rain for his car to arrive shortly after meeting members of the royal family at the athletes' village on Tuesday when he was approached by reporter Katie Gibbons.

It said the brief encounter between the Jamaican sprinter and Ms Gibbons proceeded as follows: Katie Gibbons (KG): Hi Usain, I'm Katie Gibbons, a reporter from The Times. Nice to meet you. Usain Bolt (UB): Hi. KG: So are you enjoying the games? Are you having fun? UB: No. UB: I'm just not... it's a bit shit. (Shrugs, looks up to grey sky). KG: What do you mean? UB: I've only been here two days. KG: Is it like the Olympics? UB: Nah. Olympics were better. KG: Really, how? KG: Where are you off to now? UB: To do some business. Bolt took to Twitter on Wednesday morning to dismiss the newspaper's account of the conversation, writing: "I'm waking up to this nonsense.. journalist please don't create lies to make headlines". His manager, Ricky Simms, also told the BBC the newspaper allegations were "utter rubbish".

Mr Simms added: "The atmosphere in and around the stadiums has been absolutely fantastic and I have absolutely no idea where these quotes have come from." Later on Wednesday, Bolt turned up at the SECC to watch Jamaica play New Zealand at netball, but did not comment on the Times article. The 27-year-old athlete appeared relaxed, posing for photographs and signing autographs before joining in with a Mexican wave. As he left the venue, he shouted "awesome" to reporters who asked how he felt about the Games. Bolt, who has never before competed in a Commonwealth Games, will not participate in any individual events in Glasgow 2014. However, he has agreed to run in the heats of the sprint relay on Friday. The final will be held at Hampden Park on Saturday. The arrival of the six-time Olympic champion in Glasgow at the weekend sparked a media frenzy , with Bolt facing a barrage of questions on subjects ranging from the respective political situations in Scotland and Gaza (no comment on either) to whether he wanted to play football for Manchester United (yes).

Question: What did Usain Bolt supposedly describe as ‘a bit shit’?
Answer: The Commonwealth Games