Yes, he breaks world records, wins multiple Olympics 100m titles and repeatedly confirms that he is the most astonishing, remarkable, brilliant athlete who has ever lived. Though he has been clean since his return in 2010, he knew entering the 2016 Olympics that he would be criticized again for his past sins.
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But Bolt not only quashed doubts easily, he seemingly laughed at them – literally – mid-race during the 100-metre semifinal on Sunday, when he lined up a lane next to De Grasse.
Gold medalist Usain Bolt of Jamaica celebrates.
And Bolt, who blamed his slow winning time in the 100m of 9.81 seconds on the tight turnaround between semis and final, said the day’s rest in the 200m gave him hope of breaking his seven-year-old world record of 19.19secs.
He won his record-setting third straight gold medal, but his post-race comments were tinged with slams about the scheduling. I never knew how nervous I was until I started competing. “It was really stupid”.
That is why the race is slow.
“I came to this Olympics to win three gold medals”.
It was a decision made with broadcasters in mind more than runners.
“Somebody said I could become immortal, two more medals to go and I can sign off immortal”, said the athlete after his victory.
This is the first time I had to actually pretty much jog back to the wall up here to get ready for the finals. It was ridiculous as far as I am concerned because I felt so good in the semifinals.
Bolt said he was very surprised that the fans went after Gatlin the way they did.
For him, “fast” often equates to something in the world-record range of 9.58 seconds.
He wasn’t the only one complaining.
“I didn’t because I was exhausted going into the finals and I was just like ‘let me focus on what I need to focus on, ‘” he said. He had time to look left and right before turning the power off, showing off the smile the world has come to love.
The scheduling of the track events has been a little odd here.
“If they’re happy, we’re happy”, said International Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Adams.
He was also effusive in his praise for Bolt, crediting the champion with pushing him to become a better athlete. The 400 final is Monday night. Should Bolt advance he will then have a day off before the 200-meters final takes place Thursday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Four-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Johnson said the race itself illustrated the imperiousness of Bolt. “But I’m in better shape than last season”. “I’m not happy with the schedule, and hopefully, they’ll change it back”.
Highly decorated Jamaican sprinter Veronica Campbell-Brown will see a 200-meter Olympic final from a peculiar spot – the sideline.
Among those chasing glory are superstar gymnast Simone Biles and the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt.
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“It wasn’t ideal today, but I got it done and I’m pretty proud of what I’ve achieved”, Bolt said. I can understand that people want to see a rivalry between me and Usain.
