World's fastest man sets new Olympic record

Usain Bolt set a new Olympic record in the 100m event in London. Credit: Adam Davy/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Jamaican Usain Bolt set a new Olympic record by defending his 100m title in London.

In a thrilling race, the 25-year-old who has struggled with injury and lost twice at the Jamaican trials this season, ran the second-fastest time in the history of the sport in 9.63 seconds.

Despite admitting that his fitness was at 95% heading into the Games, Bolt finished 0.6 seconds quicker than his Olympic gold medal winning time in Beijing four years ago, but 0.5 seconds off his own 100m world record he set in Berlin in 2009.

Fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake, his training partner and current world 100 metre champion came second, and Tyson Gay from the United States, who is the second person after Bolt to run under 9.7 seconds came third.

  • GOLD: Jamaica's Usain Bolt: 9.63 seconds

  • SILVER: Yohan Blake: 9.75 seconds

  • BRONZE: Justin Gatlin: 9.79 seconds

The final was the most anticipated event of the Games, not least because seven of the eight runners ran the track in the qualifiers in under ten seconds.

London's Olympic Stadium was full to capacity to watch the final, and among those cheering on the athletes were the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. London Mayor Boris Johnson was also in the stadium.

Bolt ran his second-fastest time in the 100m event. Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Here's a run down of the fastest 100m times in history:

  • 16 Aug 2009, 9.58secs Usain Bolt in Berlin

  • 5 Aug 2012, 9.63secs Usain Bolt in London

  • 16 Aug 2008, 9.69secs Usain Bolt in Beijing

  • 20 Sept 2009, 9.69secs Tyson Gay in Shanghai

  • 16 Aug 2009, 9.71secs Tyson Gay in Berlin

Bolt told the BBC immediately after his victory that he was confident he would win the race:

Bolt kisses the 100m track in celebration. Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Bolt's London medal adds to the three gold medals he won in Beijing in 2008. The Jamaican is back in action on Tuesday for the heats of the 200m - with the final of that event on Thursday.