Ben Youssef Meite also went through with an Ivory Coast national record time of 9.97. Meanwhile, the U.S.’ Gatlin, who’s served two doping bans, was reportedly booed. Bolt told reporters: “Somebody said I can become immortal”.
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Usain Bolt, fresh from winning an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic 100m gold, said he was open to racing newly-appointed world 400m record holder Wayde van Niekerk over 300m. Canada’s Andre de Grasse took bronze in 9.91, reports Xinhua.
There was no British interest in Sunday’s showpiece as CJ Ujah and James Dasaolu were eliminated in the semi-finals.
“It wasn’t ideal execution, but I’m proud of myself”. “Nobody else has done it or even attempted it”. “I didn’t go so fast but I’m so happy I won. I did what I had to”.
“I came here to achieve three gold medals”.
After his win, he took off his eye-catching gold Puma spikes and ran around the stadium with a Jamaican flag, celebrating with fans and striking his signature “lightning bolt” pose.
Bolt had described his performances as “sluggish” earlier in the sprint programme but still kept his energetic persona, although perhaps toned down a notch after a season plagued by injuries.
“My coach always wants me to run 400m”, said Bolt, who has often complained at how hard the training for the 400m was.
“This is what we train for”.
“He still looks like he really enjoys this”.
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. I’ve been shooting him for three Olympics and two World Championships and every time he simply loves entertaining the crowd. “I’m honoured to be here for my country”.
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“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.
