USAIN BOLT sealed his place in Olympic history when he became only the second
man to defend the 100 metres title.
The Jamaican flier clocked a new Games best of 9.63sec to win gold after first
picking up the title at Beijing 2008.
That was just off the world record of 9.58 he set in Berlin in 2009 — and his
second fastest time ever.
Bolt, 25, said: “When it comes to the Championships I run. I always knew I
would be OK on that track.
“My coach kept telling me to stop worrying about the race.
“I was worried about the start. It still wasn’t the best start but I executed
it.”
His victory was greeted with chants of ‘Usain, Usain’ from the 80,000 packed
into the Olympic Stadium.
He added: “I could feel the energy. I just knew the atmosphere would be like
that out there.”
Only Carl Lewis had previously won two Olympic 100m golds in a row, first in
LA in 1984 and then, in effect by default, when Ben Johnson tested positive
four years later.
Bolt’s fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake took silver after equalling his personal
best of 9.75 with American former drug cheat Justin Gatlin third in 9.79.
Had former world-record holder Asafa Powell not pulled up injured it would
have been the first time in history that all EIGHT men had run under
10 seconds.
As it was, it was another first that seven did it.
Bolt added: “This is the first step to becoming a legend. It’s one step.
“After the 200m final on Thursday night maybe I can say I’m a legend.
“But winning gold here really means a lot because a lot of people doubted me
and said I wouldn’t win. It was great to show people I’m still No 1.”
It was a great way for the Jamaican stars to celebrate their country’s
Independence Day.
Blake said: “Usain is the fastest man in the world and I have to give him
thanks for what he has done for me.”
Video : Fan reaction to the men’s 100m final
Video : Olympics – Sunday review