Bolt, of course, was unmatchable again, as he gained his ninth gold medal over three Olympics by anchoring the Jamaican 4×100 relay home.
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Bolt, who now joins a select few of Paavo Nurmi, long- distance runner from Finland, and American great Carl Lewis on nine Olympic Games track and field gold medals, will have to work on new goals. “I’m happy. There’s nothing else I can do but to push on and enjoy what I’ve done over the years”, said Bolt. “I’m also the greatest athlete to live”.
“There you go. I’m the greatest”, said the Jamaican, who kissed the finish line as he played to the crowd and the cameras. He turned a close 4×100 relay race against Japan and the United States into a never-a-doubt runaway, helping Jamaica cross the line in 37.27.
“My team came through for me tonight”, said Bolt after the race. I’ve worked hard every Olympics.
Along with Bolt for his final trip down the track were Nickel Ashmeade, training partner Yohan Blake and the Jamaican elder statesman, former world-record holder Asafa Powell.
Usain Bolt warms up onlookers with an overhead clap.
Moments like this have helped Bolt transcend his sport. “I’m going to miss the competition and it’s just so many different feelings I’m feeling”.
“It’s mixed feelings. It’s relief because it’s really stressful – the years that I’ve gone through injury problems”.
Back in 2008, the now king of the sport, won the 100m (9.69), 200 (19.30) and 4x100m (37.10), all world record marks. With the stadium emptying, Bolt kneeled down, brought his hands out to his sides and soaked in one last burst of applause.
The soccer game will feature almost entirely different rosters from the 2014 World Cup that marked a low point for Brazilian soccer (known as futebol here).
‘I would hope he’ll settle down, get married and start his family, ‘ she told CNN. Following his 100m triumph at London 2012 he celebrated by partying in his room with three members of the Swedish women’s handball team, tweeting a picture of the four of them together.
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But the US was disqualified for a pass outside the exchange lane and the bronze went instead to Canada, something the Americans didn’t realize until they were trotting around the track draped in flags and smiles.
