Skip navigation

Sports Biz

Sports Biz Video Gallery
CNBC's Darren Rovell discusses whether rookie sensation Jeremy Lin can revive the Knicks and, in turn, MSG, with CNBC's ...
CNBC's Darren Rovell has a preview of the parade and insight on what the Giants winning means for New York and New Jerse...
darren rovell's sports index
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

Current DateTime: 03:04:56 10 Feb 2012
LinksList Documentid: 23279670
Expiration DateTime: 2/10/2012 3:06:30 PM

SPORTS BIZ SLIDESHOWS

» More

Current DateTime: 03:04:56 10 Feb 2012
LinksList Documentid: 37998722

DARREN ROVELL'S SPORTS INDEX

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

ABOUT SPORTS BIZ

Darren Rovell brings you his unique take on the business of sports: a multi-billion dollar global industry and obsession full of personalities and products. On Sports Biz, Darren will give you his up-to-date take on everything from salaries to endorsement deals to marketing and promotions, trades and tirades – in short, everything that makes sports so exciting.

Usain 'Lightning' Bolt: Best Name Ever?

Published: Wednesday, 20 Aug 2008 | 3:37 PM ET
Text Size
By: Darren Rovell
Sports Business Reporter

Usain Bolt
AP
Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt is the world record holder in the 100 and 200 meters.

Being the first guy to win Olympic gold in both since Carl Lewis did it in 1984 is a big deal.

But the name "Bolt" is marketing gold.

In fact, he might be the most accomplished athlete to have such a marketable name.

Winning both races with the Bolt name -- gotta love when "Lightning strikes twice" -- probably gives him the title of the most accomplished, most apt named Olympian since Summer Sanders (who is now Summers Sanders Schlopy, believe it or not) won two golds, a silver and a bronze at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

But its hard to think of a more apropos name. God Shammgod's play was clearly not immortal; Homer Bush wasn't quite an expert at hitting the ball over the wall; and Michael Stonebreaker didn't really make it as an NFL linebacker.

Off the top of my head, I can only think of one real name (names like Kimbo Slice are not eligible) that is almost as good: Jeff Beukeboom.

How can you not love a hard-hitting NHL defenseman with "-boom" at the end of his name?

By the way, if you've got a better, more marketable real name in sports history, I'm taking your submissions at . The athlete had to have been good to begin with and, like Bolt, the name has to match the reputation.

Questions?  Comments? 

© 2012 CNBC, Inc. All Rights Reserved


Current DateTime: 10:34:09 10 Feb 2012
LinksList Documentid: 29778428

Current DateTime: 02:33:41 10 Feb 2012
LinksList Documentid: 29779196

Current DateTime: 11:35:13 10 Feb 2012
LinksList Documentid: 29779197

Current DateTime: 02:56:30 10 Feb 2012
LinksList Documentid: 29779199
CNBCCNBC
About CNBC  |  Site Map  |  Video Reprints   |  Advertise  |  Help  |  Contact
Privacy Policy  |     |  Terms of Service  |  Independent Programming Report
  Data is a real-time snapshot  *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes
Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis

© 2012 CNBC LLC.  All Rights Reserved.
A Division of NBCUniversal
Thomson ReutersThomson Reuters