Gatlin silences the crowd...almost

JUSTIN Gatlin gatecrashed Usain Bolt’s finale to silence and shock the London Stadium and claim the 100 metres World Championship title.

The American - booed throughout after his previous doping bans - won a highlycharged race in 9.92 seconds as Bolt could only come third on Saturday.

Christian Coleman completed an American one-two in 9.94 secs, with Jamaican Bolt crossing the line in 9.95.

Bolt was aiming to claim a fourth 100m world title after victories in Berlin, Moscow and Beijing, but had another shocking start.

In what was his final global individual race, Bolt again failed to get going after having poor starts in his heat and semi-final - fiercely criticising the blocks after Friday night’s heat.

The IAAF had dismissed his complaints, insisting the blocks are the same model as used as in Beijing two years ago.

He recovered in the second half of the race again but could not bring in Gatlin or Coleman - the fastest man in the world going into what was his first international championships.

The result was not immediately clear, with the crowd waiting on the scoreboard, but it left the London Stadium in stunned silence before they began to chant Bolt’s name as Gatlin celebrated and was in tears on the track.

Gatlin’s celebrations were a sideshow as Bolt still took the plaudits and did a lap of honour, still playing to the crowd when the stadium was emptying.

He said in a trackside interview: “It’s wonderful (the crowd’s reception), I never expected this. It’s just a wonderful experience. London I really appreciate the support you have given me. I’m just really sorry I couldn’t end up winning.”

Britain’s Reece Prescod finished seventh in 10.17 seconds, the only home sprinter to make the final.