A comical musical performance preceded the most anticipated race in recent memory. It left Usain Bolt visibly amused. He gestured as if to say, “I am the main attraction here and I don’t need an opening act.”
Seconds later, it was clear why. The 29-year old from Jamaica sizzled off the blocks.
A lot of people counted me out. So for me to come and win, this is a big deal.
— Usain Bolt, Athlete
He was pursued with vigour but would not be caught. A hundredth of a second separated him from second placed American Justin Gatlin.
But in that fractional dimension of time, Bolt slaughtered all talk of his eminence in the sport slipping a notch after this competition.
The showdown between Bolt and Gatlin had been billed as a race for the “soul of the sport.”
Justin Gatlin – The Bad Guy
Justin Gatlin, having served two year bans twice for doping offences, was the red-hot favourite. He’d won 28 straight races coming into the final and singed the field in his semifinal.
Reveling in the spotlight as the “bad guy” of the sport the 33-year old could scent his opportunity to unseat the champion.
Got nipped at the line by great Usain. But I’m happy to come so close and to represent my country.
— Justin Gatlin, Athlete
Bolt’s form had been iffy all season. In his semifinal, he endured a horrid, stumbling start but recovered to take his place in the summit clash.
The dice was loaded against him but when the moment arrived, in the same arena where he enraptured the world by winning three Olympic gold medals seven years ago, Bolt seized it.
He crossed the line in 9.79 seconds, well off his world record, but this wasn’t a night for statistics.
Waiting for More
Deliciously, another chapter in this duel will arrive later this week in the 200 metres, an event Bolt has won at the last three World Championships.
Again, Gatlin has laid down the marker for the year with a fastest time of 19.57 seconds and four wins in less than 20 seconds.
Bolt on the other hand has a season best of 20.13 seconds.
However, after the sparkle he produced on Sunday, Bolt will enter the Bird’s nest in Beijing once again as the man to beat.
He was subdued in the build up the 100m but the swagger of old is now restored.
I came to add to my legendary status. My aim is to be the No.1 until I retire, and therefore I am pushing myself and pushing myself. It is all about running the race and getting it done.
— Usain Bolt, Athlete
This is no empty boast. Usain Bolt knows how to “get it done.”
(Gaurav Kalra is a Senior Editor at ESPNCricinfo)
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