I’ve been trying to figure out a way to tie the Olympics to the presidential race. I’ve also been searching for the dumbest presidential statistic in existence. And I think I’ve found the answer to both.
The 100-meter run is the premier event of the Olympic Games. Historically, the United States dominated the event. But since 1976, when Hasely Crawford of Trinidad and Tobago became the first Caribbean sprinter to take home a gold medal, there has been a rivalry between American and Caribbean athletes. In every year an American has won the 100, a Republican has won that fall’s presidential race. In every year a runner born in the Caribbean has won, a Democrat has become president. I can’t explain this, except to suggest that the patriotic triumph of winning the Olympics’ showcase race may redound to the Republicans’ benefit. But here are the results. If you’re an Obama supporter, you should be glad Usain Bolt won.
1976:
100 meter winner: Hasely Crawford, Trinidad and Tobago
Presidential winner: Jimmy Carter, Democrat
1980:
N/A. U.S. boycotted the Olympics
1984:
100 meter winner: Carl Lewis, United States
Presidential winner: Ronald Reagan, Republican
1988:
100 meter winner: Carl Lewis, United States
Presidential winner: George Bush, Republican
1992:
100 meter winner: Linford Christie, Great Britain (born in Jamaica)
Presidential winner: Bill Clinton, Democrat
1996:
100 meter winner: Donovan Bailey, Canada (born in Jamaica)
Presidential winner: Bill Clinton, Democrat
2000:
100 meter winner: Maurice Greene, United States
Presidential winner: George W. Bush, Republican
2004:
100 meter winner: Justin Gatlin, United States
Presidential winner: George W. Bush, Republican
2008:
100 meter winner: Usain Bolt, Jamaica
Presidential winner: Barack Obama, Democrat
2012:
100 meter winner: Usain Bolt, Jamaica
Presidential winner: TBD