Lightning strikes thrice as Bolt completes hattrick of Gold in 100m
Usain Bolt etched his name into immortality as he dashed to another Gold- his third in the 100 meter finals. Bolt who clocked 9.81 seconds in the final became the first athelete man or woman to win gold in three consecutive Olympics in the 100 m category.
The 29-year-old Jamaican legend, competing in his final Olympics, powered over the line in 9.81sec, vanquishing drug-tainted American rival Justin Gatlin who took silver with Andre De Grasse of Canada claiming bronze.
Gatlin, who had been booed by the Rio crowd as he was introduced, crossed in 9.89sec with De Grasse just behind in 9.91.
Triple-triple next target for Bolt
It also leaves Bolt on track to complete an incredible “triple-triple” of clinching 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay titles for a third consecutive Olympics.
“Somebody said I can become immortal. Two more medals to go and I can sign off. Immortal,” Bolt added.
Bolt, the 2008 and 2012 Olympic champion, had already earned the right to be regarded as the greatest sprinter in the history of athletics after accumulating more golds on the track than anyone else.
