Bolt accused Gatlin of disrespect in the run-up to the Games after the American questioned his decision to pull out of the Jamaican trials with a hamstring strain.
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No man can stay in front of Bolt. They posted the fastest times posted during the 2016 Olympics.
It was a decision made with broadcasters in mind more than runners. He is a one-of-a-kind sprinter.
“I came here to achieve three gold medals”.
Gatlin made Bolt work for it, the way he has for the past four years.
“I came here to show the world again that I am the best, and this is a good start”, said Bolt, arguably the greatest sporting icon in the world after boxing legend Mohammad Ali.
Tired? In the biggest race of his life? Last night when he flew past me with ideal technique and his huge stride, he looked back and smiled; I only had a moment to capture this epic Olympic moment, but I was in the right place, ready.
After the semifinals, there was just over an hour of waiting before the final began. “It wasn’t ideal today, but I got it done and I’m pretty proud of what I’ve achieved”, he said, adding: “Nobody else has done it or even attempted it”.
Bolt suggested his coach, Glen Mills, was keen on seeing the 29-year-old continue on to Tokyo 2020. Exhausted of still being branded a cheater for the testosterone he took 10 years ago.
Everything stood still. Even the lottery draw in Jamaica was delayed, but Usain Bolt hit the jackpot last night, continuing his dominance in the sprints.
Later, Gatlin said he understood where the crowd was coming from. And Bolt said the race was slower because of it.
“The whole controversy behind him of people not liking him, people liking him, at the end of the day we’re all sinners”, said sprinter Trayvon Bromell.
He’s not always first – at least not when it comes to getting into position.
“Usain Bolt will be retiring soon, but this could be the next star of the sport”, Johnson said during his commentary on BBC. Those who knew what to look for before the race could tell it was in the bag.
The Rio Games have been dominated by doping past and present, real and imagined. Fast-forward 9.8 seconds and there he was, galloping around the bowl of the Olympic stadium to accept his well-earned appreciation from the crowd. When the camera is on him at the line, he likes to form his hands into claws and pantomime ripping something open.
Gatlin did summon the courage to launch his trademark fast start, and he led the field for 50 meters. Then Bolt takes over the second. At 70 meters, the race was over.
Between Bolt’s time and the last person to cross the finish line, the time difference was a measly quarter of a second.
Andre de Grasse was the other athlete in the group to book a spot in the final with 9.92 seconds.
They were absolutely right to do so.
Bolt wasn’t the only one complaining. Usain Bolt drew the largest cheers as he carried a large stuffed Vinicius around the track.
The image captures the incredible moment Usain Bolt qualified for the men’s 100 metres at the Rio Olympics with such apparent ease he had time to crack a grin. He called that a “victory in itself”. He passed Gatlin about 60 meters down the track.
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He looked back with sad and exhausted eyes. For us, it’s just figuring out how we’re going to win.
