IAAF WORLDS: Bolt settles for bronze in final solo race, as Gatlin wins gold

Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt, was stunned by rivals, Justin Gatlin and Christian Coleman in the 100 meters men’s final at the ongoing world championships on Saturday.

The 30-year-old defending champion had fallen behind Coleman in the semifinals earlier in the day after finishing 9.98 seconds against Coleman’s 9.97 seconds.

Bolt, who is set to retire after next week’s 4x100m relay, came third in 9.95 seconds in the final behind American Gatlin, who clocked 9.92 seconds, and Coleman, 9.94.

Bolt’s 9.95 seconds equalled his best effort of 2017.

“I tightened up at the end and that is something you should never do. I didn’t execute when it mattered,” Bolt said after the race.

“I am not fully comfortable in those blocks but you have to work with what you have. I can’t complain about that.

Read Also: Bolt bids for 12th world championships gold medal

“He [Gatlin] is a great competitor. You have to be at your best against him. I really appreciate competing against him and he is a good person.”

Gatlin last won a major individual title in 2005 and had only beaten Bolt once before.

“I did what I had to do. The people who love me are here cheering for me and cheering at home,” Gatlin, who was booed at the start of the race by the crowd, said after his victory.

“It is Bolt’s last race. It is an amazing occasion. We are rivals on the track but in the warm-down area, we joke and have a good time.

“The first thing he did was congratulate me and say that I didn’t deserve the boos. He is an inspiration.”

Bolt will retire from the sport after next week, following participation in the 4x100m relay at the Championships in London.

 

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