Friday, August 19, 2016

Usain Bolt Reaches Unprecedented Territory With 200-Meter Victory

Usain Bolt won his second gold medal during the Rio Olympics on Thursday night in the men’s 200-meter dash.

The feat makes the Jamaican sprinter the first person to win both the 100-meter and 200-meter events in three consecutive games in an accomplishment known as a triple-double. He now holds eight Olympic medals, all of them gold.

Bolt failed to beat his own world record of 19.19 seconds set in 2009, but snagged first place regardless with a time of 19.78 seconds. Andre De Grasse of Canada came in second with 20.02, and Christophe Lemaitre of France won the bronze with a time of 20.12.

Bolt, often dubbed the “fastest man on earth,” has been credited with reviving a dying sport with his charisma and unprecedented speed, becoming a legend on the track and an international superstar.

In Rio, he’s retained his legendary status of being infinitely photographable. Earlier this week, his grin became a meme during his semifinal race of the 200-meter race. The Jamaican let out a good-natured laugh while crossing the finish line alongside Canadian Andre De Grasse, who appeared to try and pass Bolt.

Credit: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Bolt and De Grasse laugh following a semi-final of the men"s 200-meter dash.

Earlier this month, the 29-year-old confirmed Rio would be his last Olympics.

“Yes, this is the last Olympics for sure, I have done everything, and have proven myself,” he told reporters at a press conference.

Bolt has the chance to win one last medal during the men’s 4x100-meter relay on Friday. If the Jamaican team wins, his triple-double will be upgraded to an unimaginable triple-triple.

YURI CORTEZ via Getty Images
Usain Bolt celebrates after winning the Men"s 200m Final at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 18, 2016.

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/usain-bolt-200-meter_us_57b653fee4b03d5136877dca?section=&

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