KNOXVILLE — University of Tennessee junior guard Vladimir Richard probably spent part of today’s rare time off to catch up on the Olympics.

Richard offers a lengthy synopsis of his Olympic-watching experience on the third page of the team’s UCLA game notes.

“Every night, it’s good stuff,” Richard is quoted in the notes.

Richard broke down several athletes and sports.

n On Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt: “That cat is just not human. That young man, he just got down, and as soon as they shot the gun, the race was over. It’s like he was across the finish line (when) the other guys had just gotten out of their stance. He’s over there reading a book, dancing — he was giving a shout-out to the president while he was running and still won the race.”

n On other track events: “I was fired up about (American) LaShawn Merritt winning the 400.”

n On women’s gymnastics: “It disappointed me when China beat our U.S. girls. I was really watching that. The crazy thing about that sport is that when you get to be age 21, you’re out of your prime as an athlete. I’m 21 now, so that’s crazy.”

Several other Vols have enjoyed the Olympics. Sophomore safety Eric Berry said several of them got together to watch Michael Phelps collect some of his eight gold medals.

Berry and company were disappointed to miss the live showing of Phelps’ eighth gold medal race because of last Saturday’s scrimmage.

“We invented a Michael Phelps dance,” Berry admitted.

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