Going into it, Bolt’s eyes were on the gold. “Two more medals to go and I can sign off. Immortal”. And that’s my focus.
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It set up a final showdown with American Justin Gatlin, who also controlled his semi-final, clocking 9.94.
Usain Bolt’s Puma spikes.
“I’d like to see everyone have respect in the audience”.
Known for his entertaining nature, Bolt doesn’t shy away from the spotlight, either-his outgoing personality is one of the main reasons people adore him.
After the rushed road to Sunday night’s 100-meter final, he had to make an exception. It put him in next to last place. “It’s like Michael Jordan has one, (and) I have one now”, Bolt told SNTV. “He’s so confident and he plays up to the crowd, and I think when he walks into that stadium, it’s electric”.
He won his record-setting third straight gold medal, but his post-race comments were tinged with slams about the scheduling.
The multiple Olympic champion powered to victory in 9.81 seconds here on Sunday.
Bolt’s celebration began immediately, raising his index finger as he finished first.
His 9.58 record at the world championships in Berlin in 2009 was an even bigger sensation. You get famous, there’s so much pressure of girls wanting you.
ESPN noted that Usain had not run a 100 since June 30 when he suffered a hamstring injury.
While huge roars and chants of “Bolt, Bolt, Bolt” greeted the Jamaican, Gatlin was loudly booed as he walked into the 56,000 capacity arena, which was close to full. Many wondered how he would perform in last night’s race.
His Olympic experience is over yet.
Gatlin gave plenty of respect to Bolt after the race and said this is not a rivalry or a “bad blood” situation.
“Usain has accomplished what no other athlete has done and he’s proven himself once again to be the greatest – and there’s a lot more left in him”, said Minister Grange.
“Somebody said if I win these three gold medals I would be immortal and I kind of liked it”.
Six sprinters ran under 10 seconds, tying the record number from the 1991 World Championship and the 2008 Olympics.
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Jamaica’s Usain Bolt leads in the men’s 100-meter final leads United States’ Justin Gatlin during the athletics competitions of the 2016 Summer Olympics at the Olympic stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016.
