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Bolt rewrites history with third 100m gold

Michael Da SilvaAugust 15, 2016

Usain Bolt becomes the first man in history to win three 100m Olympic golds, beating rival Justin Gatlin. He adds to the titles he won in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012.

Rio Momente 14 08 Leichtathletik 100 m Männer Finale
Image: Getty Images/AFP/A. Thuillier

Jamaica's Usain Bolt won an unprecedented third 100m gold medal with a stunning run, beating US rival Justin Gatlin into second.

Bolt clocked 9.81 seconds in the showpiece race of the Games, coming from behind and showing no signs of a recent hamstring injury. He flew past American rival Justin Gatlin who had to settle for silver again in 9.89 seconds. Canada's Andre de Grasse took bronze in 9.91.

Bolt strikes gold again

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The fans delighted in Bolt's latest triumph and he went on his lap of honour with a stuffed Games mascot as reggae music echoed around the arena. Gatlin was jeered by many fans in the packed stadium before the start, with his history as a two-time doping offender still hanging over him.

The three-time champion delighted with the fans with his iconic lightning bolt pose.Image: Reuters/L. Nicholson

Bolt, who turns 30 on the day of the Rio closing ceremony, August 21, famously claimed 100m, 200m and 4x100m trebles at the 2008 and 2012 Games, a feat never achieved before.

In Rio, the 11-time world champion and world record holder is in search of an unprecedented third treble in a row, with the 200m final Thursday and the relay Friday.

"It was brilliant. I didn't go so fast but I'm so happy I won. I told you guys I was going to do it," said Bolt, who stands alone in the 120-year history of sprinting in the modern Olympic games.
"Somebody said I can become immortal. Two more medals to go and I can sign off. Immortal," Bolt added.

Bolt has not been beaten on the track in a major race since coming second behind American Tyson Gay in the 200m at the 2007 world championships.

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