Bolt clocked a season’s best 9.77 seconds in heavy rain at the Luzhniki Stadium. PHOTO: AFP
Bolt clocked a season’s best 9.77 seconds in heavy rain at the Luzhniki Stadium, with American Justin Gatlin claiming silver in 9.85sec and Nesta Carter, also of Jamaica, taking bronze in 9.95sec.
Athletics’ credibility had again been called to account in recent weeks, notably after American sprint rival Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell tested positive for drugs.
Once again it was Bolt, the powerfully-built 26-year-old world record holder in both the 100 and 200m, who came to the rescue, at least in the short term.
The sole blot on the Jamaican’s copybook since winning treble gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics was a false start two years ago in the Daegu worlds that saw now-injured teammate Yohan Blake take the blue riband title.
“I am happy but I wanted to do better,” said Bolt. “My legs were sore after the semi-finals, I don’t know why, but the world record wasn’t on so I came out just to win.
“Back in Jamaica, they do not expect less than that from me. They always expect me to dominate.”
The race itself was ‘classic’ Bolt in front of a Luzhniki Stadium that was far from being a sell-out in stormy weather.
Modestly, but safely, out of the blocks, Bolt’s head and shoulders remained low as he drove into the opening metres.
While his reaction time might have been slower than all but one other in the field, he soon reeled in the opposition.
Come the 50 metre mark and Bolt pushed his huge frame through his renowed transition phase, head coming up and long legs pumping, teeth gritted and eyes on the big screen beyond the finish line.
He moved past Gatlin on his left and had a brief look over at Carter on his right before putting on the after-burners.
The race didn’t even last 10 seconds but the gold saw Bolt also move within touching distance of equalling American sprint legend Carl Lewis’ record of eight world gold medals.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 13th, 2013.
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