#London2012: Usain Bolt wins 100m Olympic gold in record time | Bolt, Yohan Blake, Tyson Gay quoted | Finish pictured

photo credit: AFP

As thousands of flash bulbs dance around the stadium, and the nerves of 80,000 people give way to a noise that only grows and grows, the stadium announcer calls for silence. Eventually, he gets it. There’s a delay of a two or three seconds, Usain Bolt crosses himself, and they’re off! Gatlin does get a dream start … but there’s no stopping Bolt who wins in 9.63! A new Olympic record! Yohan Blake is second in 9.75 secs, Justin Gatlin third in 9.79 and Tyson Gay fourth in 9.80 sec. Seven of the eight finalists break 10 seconds – only Asafa Powell, who pulled up and finished in 11.99 sec – was outside it.

as Usain Bolt enjoys his lap of honour. That was sensational. Bolt didn’t get the fastest of starts, but he steadily gained on Gatlin before overtaking him around the 60m mark. And while Blake pushed him hard there was only ging to be one winner from that point. But, unlike Beijing there was no showboating, no look-at-me outstretching of the arms. Only afterwards, when the line was across and the gold won, did he wag his finger at the world to say: “Did you doubt me? Did you really doubt me? Really?”

“I came up short, man”
As Bolt enters the home straight, he does a forward roll, much to the merriment of those in the stadium. Blake, who is with him, looks happy too. Meanwhile a disappointed Tyson Gay says: “I gave it my best. I came up short. I tried man, it was the best I could do.”

Usain Bolt: It’s all about business for me, and I brought it
I was happy. When I did the first round. I was slightly worried about my start – I was worried about a false start so I sat in my blocks a bit. People can talk. I tell you people it’s all about business for me, and I brought it. When it comes down to business, I know what to do. The crowd were wonderful. I could feel that energy. I feel extremely good and happy.

Yohan Blake: what more I can ask for?
Usain is the fastest man in the world. I got a silver medal, what more can I ask for? I give credit to my coach.