Peerless Bolt powers to 200m gold

Saturday, 20 August 2016 00:45 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: The incomparable Usain Bolt powered his way around the Rio track to win the Olympic 200 metres gold for the third straight Games in 19.78 seconds on Thursday and remain on course for an extraordinary “triple-triple” of sprint titles.

The Jamaican simply laid waste to the best of the rest in the sprinting world to win his eighth track gold medal in what he has said will be his last individual race at the Olympics before his retirement next year.

“I don’t need to prove anything else. What else can I do to prove to the world I am the greatest?” Bolt told reporters.

“I am trying to be one of the greatest. Be among (Muhammad) Ali and Pele. I hope to be in that bracket after these Games.”

Andre de Grasse of Canada, who won bronze behind Bolt in the 100 metres, finished second in 20.02 seconds to claim his second sprint medal of the Games and establish himself as the heir apparent to the Sprint King.

Christophe Lemaitre of France secured his first major individual medal by taking bronze, edging out Adam Gemili of Britain in a photo finish after they were both awarded the same time of 20.12.

Bolt, who turns 30 on Sunday, will return to the track on Friday with his Jamaican relay team mates looking for a 4x100 gold to complete the sweep of all three sprint titles at three successive Olympics.