Bolt's performances unparalleled: Diack

By Gene Cherry

BEIJING (Reuters) - Usain Bolt's Olympic performances have had more impact on a single athletics championships than those of any other athlete, IAAF president Lamine Diack said on Saturday.

"Carl Lewis won four events (in 1984) but it was not the same impression on us," the International Association of Athletics Federations chief told reporters.

"It was not with a world record, it is the difference."

Jamaican Bolt claimed gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 and 4x100 relay in Beijing, shattering the world record each time.

"He is good and great for our sport, he can help to build up our sport," Diack said of the fun-loving Bolt who celebrated his 22nd birthday on Thursday.

The lanky Jamaican eclipsed his own 100 meters world record by nonchalantly clocking 9.69 seconds and erased Michael Johnson's 12-year-old 200 meters mark with a stunning run of 19.30 seconds.

Another world record fell to his long strides on Friday when Bolt, on the third leg, put Jamaica ahead in the 4x100 relay before Asafa Powell brought the baton home in 37.10 seconds.

"I was a little bit prepared for something around 9.70 (in the 100), but this was not expected," Diack said of Bolt's 200. "I thought he would make the record but not this time.

"He was fantastic, we are very privileged to have this," Diack said, calling the 200 final his special moment of the Games.

Unlike IOC president Jacques Rogge, Diack said he had no problem with Bolt's exuberant celebrations.

But Diack said Bolt should be aware of beaten rivals who wanted to congratulate him and he should take time to recognize them.

"I think it is normal," Diack said of Bolt's fun-filled moments. "I did not mind."

(Editing by Ed Osmond)