On top of his record-equalling nine athletics gold medals, Bolt, who will be 30 on Sunday, is confident, relaxed and supremely connected with the crowds he attracts wherever he goes.
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There was better news for the U.S. women’s sprint relay team, who retained their title, in the process Allyson Felix becoming the first woman to win five Olympic gold medals in athletics.
He combined with Asafa Powell, Yohan Blake and Nickel Ashmeade to lift gold in a time of 37.27 seconds, the BBC reports.
Canada earned the bronze medal.
“I’m happy to still be here (for the relays)”, he told reporters.
“If anything”, Eaton said, referring to Bolt, “he has provided a platform for all the other young aspiring athletes to launch from”, adding, “In the years to come, I think we’ll see a lot of athletes who were inspired by Usain Bolt”. I’m happy. There’s nothing else I can do but to push on and enjoy what I’ve done over the years.
The streets of Jamaica witnessed carnival-like atmosphere as its “favourite son” Usain Bolt claimed the unprecedented feat of a “triple triple”, signing off his Olympics career with his third gold of Rio Olympics.
“I accomplished what I wanted to and it’s a joy”.
“I would hope he’ll settle down, get married and start his family”, she recently told CNN’s Don Riddell “I know he’ll settle down because he has said it”.
“I’ve proven to the world I’m the greatest”, says Bolt.
Usain Bolt ended his Olympic career in Rio, Brazil, having never lost a final at an Olympic Games.
At the same time, silver for Jamaica allowed Veronica Campbell-Brown to win a medal at a fifth Olympics dating back to the 2000 Sydney Games.
The USA retained the women’s 4x100m relay title, finishing in 41.01 seconds ahead of the Jamaican team, which contained 100m and 200m champion Elaine Thompson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
Japan were second in 37.60 seconds to take a surprise silver while Canada took the bronze after the third placed United States (37.62) were disqualified for a lane violation.
Bolt’s triumph was greeted with rapturous applause by Brazilian fans who roared their appreciation as the sprint superstar set off on a lap of honour, with Bob Marley booming from stadium speakers.
Felix had been bumped in the preliminaries and lost the baton, but the USA team protested and got a second chance – a solo re-run that allowed them to qualify on time.
“I believe in my guys, man”, he said.
GOLF GOLD: At the Olympic Golf Course, Inbee Park will take a two-stroke lead into Saturday’s final round after keeping her composure in strong wind and making two late birdies to regain the lead and post a 1-under 70. Then, he kissed the track and slapped his hand on the number “3” painted at the starting line.
“I never said this was my last Olympics”, he said.
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And while he celebrated the victory, expressed disappointment about the time at not being able to crack his own World record of 19.19 set in Berlin seven years ago.
