Nine-time Olympic champion swimmer Mark Spitz (in pic) feels India need to bid for the Summer Games to inspire their people to take up sport and become a sporting nation. Spitz, who won seven gold medals at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, said there is lack of competition in India and also socio-economic factors have stopped the country in producing more Olympians. "I don't think it is the economics it is the lack of competitive level. In America, there is tremendous competitive environment in the colleges and it enhances the abilities of athletes," said Spitz.
"We see people from Australia and England coming to America but it is not an exclusive thing. India can also outsource if they choose to but I think in India it is a cultural thing. There are other things in the socio-economic arena which becomes more important than becoming an athlete. "I don't know of any magic wand but I think India you need to change because you have a zillion people and you could have 100,000 great Olympians, unless you bid for the Olympics and inspire people and change the mindset. But you can't change the hundreds of years of traditions," he added.
Spitz's record of seven golds was only surpassed by USA's Michael Phelps, who won eight golds at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, and the American legend reckons that his compatriot will leave the stage with a bang in the next edition in Rio de Janeiro. Asked who would be the next big thing in swimming in the 2016 Olympics, Spitz said: "I still think it will be Phelps. He is probably going to make the Olympic team. Australian Grant Hackett too has been pretty successful and I assuming again, he will also probably make the Olympic team if he stays healthy. It is great for the sport.
‘Bolt is favourite to win’
Four-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Johnson backed multiple Olympic and world champion Usain Bolt to defend his titles in 100m and 200m events at the World Championship, to be held in Beijing from August 22 to 30. "Bolt is still the favourite to win at the World Championship this August. It is still early days, may be a month from now things will get clearer," Johnson said.
‘love to see Messi play’
legendary Ruud Gullit does not endorse the criticism that lionel Messi faces for not being able to guide his team to World Cup triumph as Dutch legend feels privileged to be able to watch the Argentine artist at work week after week. "If you need to find something (fault), you will always find that little thing. I think Messi is an excellent player and we are privileged to see him play every week," Gullit said. Asked about the who is the greatest between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Gullit said:"I think both of them are great players who happen to play at the same time and same moment.”