The Front Row: The Lightning Bolt’s bravado

A SHOWMAN, A SHOWBOAT: Catch him, if you can.

Tonight, Usain Bolt attempts to add to his legend when he races the 200-meter finals — the race he actually prefers to the 100-meter dash.

As I’m sure you’re aware, many people were not too pleased with Bolt’s theatrics after his dominating performance to claim the title of “world’s fastest man.”

Even though he won the race by a substantial margin and broke the world record, a lot of viewers wanted to see exactly how fast Bolt could’ve gone had he focused on the finish line instead of pounding his chest and showboating for the last 15 meters.

Of course, it makes far more business sense for Bolt to leave his time at 9.69 and let fans wonder exactly how much faster he can get. As the old saying goes, you can shear a sheep many times, but skin it only once.

Fans will continue tuning in if they believe Bolt can keep getting faster. Don’t be surprised if Bolt blows away the field tonight, but leaves a little window for him to do even better the next time he steps on the track.

But here’s the rub: What if Bolt is peaking? What if he can’t get any better? Shouldn’t every athlete give it all every time out?

He’s either the savviest 21-year-old sprinter in existence, or he’s the most arrogant athlete alive. Either way, we’re going to be watching.

Who said the Olympics would cease to be interesting after Michael Phelps?

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NOT HANDLING IT WELL: Yesterday, the prominent sports blog Deadspin linked to a photo found at OnMilwaukee.com showing how hard some Wisconsinites are still taking Brett Favre’s departure.

A church in Waupun, Wisc., is currently sporting a billboard that says “God will never leave you for the Jets!”

It’s a good thing the Jets don’t head to Lambeau Field this season. I don’t even want to think about what would happen.

The longer the Brewers can stay in the National League pennant race, the better it will be for Wisconsin sports fans.

nprevenas@gvnews.com | 547-9747