Bolt is really amazing, and as in most sports comparing eras is difficult. Today most athletes are at least a bit specialized, only doing one or two events. Athletes before may have only competed at the top level in one or two, but competed in more than that.
The US coverage only covers a few sports that are popular here, and a lot of the great performances in less well known sports get missed.
I'm a big fan of the performances by the athletes at the lower end of the spectrum. I can enjoy Phelps, Bolt etc and admire what they accomplish.
But I really like the ones that put in a great effort despite being a bit overmatched.
Mathieu Razanakolona sking for Madagascar. Nearly crashes, doesn't DQ and finishes the course. Placed 39th out of 41 finishers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m51Fg6Hv2xM
A few more, Eddie the eagle was a favorite of mine. I can't imagine trying either of the big ski jumps, and I was a bit crazy as a skier.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/oth...s-history.html
Attended the 96 Olympics in Atlanta, and watched some qualifying, some of the people who barely made the finals celebrated more than the ones who got in more easily.
Steve B