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News > Sport

Lightning Bolt for Usain as Gatlin Takes 100m Final

  • World Athletics Championships, men's 100 metres final, Justin Gatlin is hugged by Usain Bolt, London Stadium, UK, August 5, 2017

    World Athletics Championships, men's 100 metres final, Justin Gatlin is hugged by Usain Bolt, London Stadium, UK, August 5, 2017 | Photo: Reuters

Published 5 August 2017
Opinion

In a tight finish, Bolt suffered for his slow start and Gatlin fought back to make the line in 9.92 seconds.

Eight-time Olympic Gold Champion Usain Bolt has been beaten in his final 100-meter race by the U.S. athlete Justin Gatlin.

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Honors Party Planned as Jamaica Bids Goodbye to Bolt

Bolt had hoped for a victorious farewell at the World Championships in London.

But he was beaten by a man five years his senior with a doping-tainted background.

In a tight finish, Bolt suffered for his slow start and Gatlin fought back to make the line in 9.92 seconds.

Christian Coleman took silver in 9.94 seconds while Bolt got bronze in 9.95. 

World record holding Bolt was generous in his defeat.

Gatlin bows down to Bolt
Gatlin bows down to Bolt after the race.
Reuters

"Over the years I've always said he's done his time," said the Jamaican, who was the first to hug Gatlin post-race.

"If he's here, it's okay. I've always respected him as a competitor. He deserves to be here, he's worked hard.

"I treat him like any other athlete - as a competitor."

Because of his doping past, Gatlin was booed in London both during and after the race.

"It's kinda sad that my boos were louder than some of the others' cheers," he told reporters.

Usain Bolt, 8 Olympic Gold Medal Winner
Usain Bolt, world record holder and winner of 8 Olympic gold medals.
Reuters

"I wanted to keep it classy and at the end of the race bend the knee to Usain. Pay homage to him. This night is still a magical night for track and field and for Usain Bolt; he's done so much in his career."

"I wasn't booed in 2010, 2011 or 2012 - or 13, 14 or 15 - and now I am. I'm just sitting up here, I'm a runner, I'm back in the sport, I've done my time, I've done community service. I've talked to kids, I inspire kids - that's all I can do," Gatlin added.

"Usain is a great athlete and a great man and I'm just happy to be here lining up shoulder to shoulder with him. He leaves a huge void in the sport."

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