It’s a sweep for Usain Bolt. And a sweep for his country, too.
Bolt became the first person to ever defend double Olympic gold in the 100 and 200 metres on Thursday, putting up a time of 19.32 seconds to take the longer distance and his second gold medal of these Games!
Right behind him were countrymen Yohan Blake and Warren Weir, who won silver and bronze for Jamaica in 19.44 and 19.84 seconds respectively.
The race was yet another dominant display by Bolt, as he was way out in front coming off the turn and posted his season-best time right when he needed it most.
There was intrigue coming in, too, as the youngster Blake had bested his mentor at their national trials at both distances and appeared to be improving every year.
Come the Olympics, however, Bolt said he was confident he could defend the two titles against his new challenger and become “a legend” of his sport.
As it turned out, he was more than prepared to again run a near-world-record time to win.
All that’s left to accomplish now for the decorated Jamaican sprinter is another gold medal in the 4×100 relay on the weekend, which would give him six golds in his two Olympic appearances.
Given the company he keeps on the track, winning the team event shouldn’t be too difficult a chore.
The triple victory on Thursday, meanwhile, only further cements the tiny island nation of just 2.7 million people as the world’s dominant sprinting power.
Whereas Bolt was the lone Jamaican in the 200 -metre final four years ago, he had two 22-year-old compatriots along for the ride this time, something that should ensure their country continues to dominate into 2016 and beyond.
That said, Bolt is still just 25 and hasn’t ruled out continuing to race that long, meaning he could be pushing for the unthinkable three-peat in four years time.
Even if he does choose to walk away, Bolt will go down as the best there ever was, with world records at both distances that may stand for years and seven world championship medals to go with all that Olympic gold.
from: theglobeandmail.com
Way to go, Usain! You’ve made your country VERY proud!!
