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The main photo above shows Usain, a picture of determination, in the
closing few metres of the mens 200m final at the 2008 Olympic Games in
Beijing. The bottom right photo shows Bolt just after crossing the line
in a stunning new world record time of 19.30secs. Usain's fabulous
performance eclipsed the previous record of 19.32secs, set by Michael
Johnson at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, and his expression in the
top right picture says it all as he takes in the enormity of his
achievement. Johnson's long standing record was thought to be almost
untouchable and Usain's performance was all the more remarkable given
that he was actually running in to a head wind! A truly fantastic run
from the Jamaican phenomenon who had, of course, already captured the
100m title a few days earlier, also in world record time.
Of
his memorable performance, Bolt commented: "It's great. I have a great
feeling. This is a dream come true. You come out every day to be a
champion and I'm just happy."
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When quizzed on whether he had
planned to go all out for Johnson's world record, the 21-year-old, who
would celebrate his birthday the following day, said: "I was worried
after the semis. But I told everybody I would leave everything on the
track and I did just that. I've proved I'm a true champion and that with
hard work anything is possible."
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"I have been dreaming about
winning the 200m since I was yay high, " he added pointing towards his
knees. "It means a lot to me - more than the 100m because I have loved
this event since I was 15 and I became the youngest ever winner of the
world junior championships. Since that day it was dear to my heart."
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Bolt,
far and away the star of these Olympic Games, added: "I am looking
forward to my birthday tomorrow - I am looking forward to going to bed,
going to sleep and letting it all soak in."
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