but who is the fastest American in the world?

Usain Bolt of Jamaica has just won the 100m race at the Olympics. In the process, he smashed a world record -- his own record, if I recall correctly. So, according to tradition, he can now claim the title of "fastest man in the world".

But I can't help wondering: When anyone in the USA refers henceforth to the "fastest man in the world", to whom will they be referring?

Think back to the 1996 Olympics for a moment. Donovan Bailey of Canada set the world record when he won the 100m event. But the 200m winner, who happened to be from the US, was introduced as the "fastest man in the world" whenever he was interviewed on US television.

If at least one men's track event is won by someone on the US team, then the precedent is clear: One of those men, not Bolt, will be the "fastest man in the world" according to our friends in the US. And if not? It's anyone's guess.