The Jamaican had made positive noises about an assault on his own 2009 world record of 19.19 seconds but instead his winning time on a chill, damp night was the slowest of his seven world and Olympic 200 meters victories.
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It took Bolt longer than usual to get there in the Olympic 200m final – 19.78 seconds – in his last individual Olympic race.
Rio de Janeiro: History-maker Usain Bolt said he deserves to be among sport’s all-time greats after romping to a third straight Olympic 200m gold. The Jamaican superstar came first in 19.78 seconds, making him the only one in the final to finish in under 20 seconds.
Bolt won his third straight gold in the 200m last night and did the same in the 100m on Sunday night.
Bolt has won the 100 and 200 meters at three consecutive Olympics, a feat that will be held up as one of the most untouchable records in sports.
Japan’s quartet took a surprise silver in 37.60sec while Canada took bronze after the United States, who crossed in third, were later disqualified.
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Head down and hands pumping away as he built up speed over the first 30 metres, Bolt rounded the bend with a clear lead but was unable to charge to the line as fast as he wanted, even if he did finish three meters clear of De Grasse.
Bolt expressed some disappointment at not breaking the world record this evening, but Minister Grange the country and world are satisfied with his efforts. A win in the relay would give Allyson the most gold medals won by any female T&F Olympian, so you know the team is going to be running their heart out for her to get that achievement.
“Why do I feel like I knew someone was going to ask me that?”, the Jamaican said, when quizzed about how he compared himself to the champion swimmer.
‘I don’t need to prove anything else. There’s been nobody since Muhammad Ali who’s got remotely near to what this guy has done in terms of grabbing the public imagination.
Usain Bolt bid a blazing-fast farewell to the Rio Olympics – and likely the Olympics altogether – Friday night with yet another anchor leg for the ages. “I’ve pushed myself to be the best, there’s nothing else I can do”. Somebody said if I win these three gold medals I would be immortal and I kind of liked it.
“I’ve proven to the world that I’m the greatest and that is what I came here for and that’s what I’m doing”. “I’m getting older. I had to run hard yesterday”. Bolt also will have one final shot at increasing his record tonight, in the 4x100m relay.
Bolt’s bid for history is one of 22 finals on Friday as the Games hurtle into their final weekend.
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“I’ve proven to the world I’m the greatest”, he said.
