Usain Bolt wins 200m gold to race into Olympic history

Usain Bolt successfully defended his 200m Olympic title. Credit: Martin Rickett/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Usain Bolt cemented his place in the pantheon of the modern Olympic Games on Thursday night - delighting the 80,000 spectators who witnessed history in the making.

The sensational Jamaican roared to victory in the 200m final in the Olympic Stadium, completing a historic double after successfully defending his 100m title on Sunday.

Final 200m standings:

  • 1 - Usain Bolt (19:32)

  • 2 - Yohan Blake (19.44)

  • 3 - Warren Weir (19:84)

Bolt's win was received with the sort of reception usually only afforded to Team GB athletes.

Bolt lit up the Games four days ago and his run in the 200m was one of the most anticipated events remaining in the Games.

And he did not disappoint, retaining the 200m gold medal he won in Beijing.

Fastest 200m times of all-time:

  • 1 - Bolt 19.19 (2009)

  • 2 - Blake 19.26 (2011)

  • 3 - Bolt 19.30 (2008)

  • 4 - Bolt 19.32 (2012)

  • 5 - (Michael) Johnson 19.32 (1996)

  • 6 - Bolt 19.40 (2011)

It means Bolt is the first man to win the Olympic sprint double twice in succession.

He led a Jamaican clean sweep of the final, with 100m silver medallist Yohan Blake and Warren Weir in silver and bronze position.

After crossing the line first to thunderous cheers, Bolt gave his customary arms outstretched, lighting bolt pose, before milking applause from spectators on his victory parade, draped in a Jamaican flag.

Bolt cruises past the finishing line. Credit: Adam Davy/PA Wire/Press Association Images

The tall figure of Bolt was out ahead of his rivals from the start and he again appeared to casually slow up deliberately before he crossed the line, coming in with a winning time of 19.32 seconds - outside his own world record of 19.19 seconds.

Prince Harry was among the delighted spectators.

He and Bolt took part in a pre-Olympic "race" - which Prince Harry "won" - during a royal visit to Jamaica in March.

The Jamaican trio marched around the outside of the running track, play-acting with the sports photographers surrounding them and Jamaican fans in the crowd.

80,000 fans watched Usain Bolt make Olympic history. Credit: Adam Davy/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Many fans took to Twitter to congratulate Bolt on his victory, including football stars Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.