Puma deny Bolt shoe stunt
2008-08-21 13:51
Beijing - The head of the Puma sportswear brand on Thursday denied the company had urged athletics star Usain Bolt to display his golden running shoes for the cameras after his Olympic triumphs.
The Jamaican ruffled some feathers after his record-breaking victories in the 100m and 200m by removing his customised Puma footwear bearing his nickname "Ugo" and kissing them in front of photographers and TV crews.
"It wasn't something that we staged, we didn't say: 'Usain, take the shoes and show them,'" Puma chief executive Jochen Zeitz said.
"He did it because he really identifies with Puma, he really values what we did for him to make him the hero of our Olympic Games campaign not knowing what he could accomplish here."
The exuberant celebrations by the young sprinter, who celebrated his 22nd birthday on Thursday, have raised some eyebrows.
Without mentioning the shoe issue, International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge said on Thursday Bolt should make an attempt to show his rivals more respect.
- SAPA