Imperious Bolt wins 200m with a thump!

Photo: Usain Bolt thumps his chest as he celebrates his win in the 200m.

Jamaican Ambassador Usain St. Leo Bolt defended his World 200m title with aplomb at the 15th IAAF World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China on Thursday, when he sped to a world leading 19.55 seconds and still had time to thump his chest with both fists as he crossed the finish line. Bolt who started celebrating from about 10 meters out was followed home by the American Justin Gatlin, 19.74. Third was South African Anaso Jobodwana who ran a life time best and national record of 19.87.

The outcome of the race was never in doubt as the defending champion, running out of lane six, with Gatlin running out of lane four, got off to a good start and came off the turn comfortably in front. Bolt then powered away off the top of the turn, leaving the field in his wake before starting his customary celebrations as Gatlin seemed to lose form again. Just as he did in the 100m final as he neared the finish line, the American began flailing his arms after losing his form.

Jobodwana ran the race of his life to capture his first world championship medal a day after his countryman Wayne Van Niekerk won the men’s 400m gold medal.

Bolt who had insisted before the final that “I am not gonna let Gatlin beat me” not only delivered on his promise to defend his 200m title but also proved that his words before the start of the championships were more than just hype as he defended both his sprint titles. His first sprint double title was seven years ago at the very stadium that Bolt has underlined his status as the greatest of all times.

“I am just happy. I told you guys that I will do it. There was no doubt. I was not really focused on time. I knew I was not in the shape for a world record. When it comes to the 200m, I am a different person,” Bolt told reporters after the race.

It may be job done as far as the individual titles are concerned but it is not yet over for the ‘Big Man’ as the 4x100n now beckons and the rivalry with Gatlin will come to a head, as on paper, the Americans hold the edge over Jamaica, having piled four men into the 100m finals.