Bolt adds another 100-metre title in his last Diamond League race
MONACO — In the last Diamond League race of his glittering career, Usain Bolt held on to win the 100 metres at the Herculis track meet on Friday.
The eight-time Olympic champion was under pressure from Isiah Young of the United States in the last 30 metres but used his famed finish to win in 9.95 seconds at Stade Louis II in Monaco. Young clocked 9.98. Akani Simbine of South Africa was third in 10.02.
Bolt is retiring after the world championships in London next month.
Last month, he won at the Golden Spike in Ostrava, Czech Republic, in 10.06 after a slow start. He got away better this time, but was made to work hard by Young.
“It’s always good to get a win. My time is going down at the right time,” the Jamaican said, looking ahead to the worlds. “Everything is coming together.”
He was given a rousing ovation and expects to sorely miss that close bond with the crowd when his running days are over.
“I’m always here for the fans, and of course I will miss the vibe around the track. Mixed emotions always, happy for my career, sad that it is ending,” he said. “I’m planning to chill after London with my family, but I’m not sure what will be my next plan after this season.” Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa won the 400 in 43.73, and countrywoman Caster Semenya pulled clear in the last 50 metres to win the 800 in a world-leading time this year of 1 minute, 55.27 seconds.
Canada’s sprint star Andre De Grasse didn’t fair as well in his final race before London.
The 22-year-old from Markham, Ont., was only entered in the 4x100 relay, and he and teammates Aaron Brown, Brendon Rodney, and Gavin Smellie were disqualified for a bad baton exchange.
The final exchange between Rodney and anchor-runner De Grasse caused the DQ.
Melissa Bishop ran to a Canadian record in the 800 metres to finish fifth.