Bolt, who will turn 30 on Sunday, ran the final leg of the relay at the Olympic Stadium, clocking in the Jamaicans sprinters at 37.27 seconds for the gold.
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“There you go, I am the greatest”, said Bolt, who this week said the Rio Olympics would be his last. “I don’t know how I’m going to celebrate but it’s a great birthday present so far, so I’m happy”. Team USA came in third but was disqualified for exchanging illegally outside the zone at the first change, U.S. News reported. The baton was also knocked out of Allyson Felix’s hand Thursday during a qualifying heat, but the team successfully won their appeal and went on to win gold.
His ninth gold medal drew him level with Paavo Nurmi, the Finn who dominated distance running in the early 20th century, and American sprinter and long jumper Carl Lewis as the most successful Olympic track and field athletes.
“[He’s always saying] “wait until it’s your time” and I know my time is going to come so I’m going to take over from now”.
“Tonight, we wanted Elaine (Thompson) to get the third gold medal, but (this was) God’s will and we have to give God thanks”.
Rio de Janeiro: Usain Bolt insisted it was “mission accomplished” after signing off with a “treble-treble” in his final Olympic race, predicting that his achievements may never be broken.
“You can see that on the tape”, Rodgers said. It’s the biggest stage for us athletes, but I’ve done all I can do. I have worked hard in every Olympics.
The Jamaican track star crossed the finish line in 19.78 seconds to win to secure his eighth Olympic gold medal in total, tying him with American Ray Ewry for the third most golds in track and field history.
The disqualification of the U.S. thus paved the way for Canada who originally finished fourth in 37.64 seconds to move up to the bronze medal position.
In the next Olympics, Bolt will be just shy of 34 – the same age his closest competitor Justin Gatlin is now – and could still be a contender.
In the middle of the night in an empty stadium, the Jamaican sprint king showed he’s no one-trick pony.
He has come a long way from the playful youth who laughed his way through 100m and 200m world records years ago.
Friday’s triumph was potentially the most awkward, with Bolt’s gold medal hopes reliant on the performances of his team-mates.
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In Bolt’s wake, Japan’s anchor Aska Cambridge pulled away from Trayvon Bromell to bring them across the line in 37.60, an Asian record.
