HOW LIGHTNING BOLT HIT THE ‘ THREEPEAT’
USAIN Bolt declared himself the ‘greatest’ as he finished his third and final Olympics with another three gold medals. The world’s fastest man led the Jamaican team to a spectacular victory on Friday night in the 4x100m men’s relay – earning the sprinter his ninth gold medal in total. And in doing so, the Olympian sealed his reputation as a true sporting legend alongside Brazilian footballer Pele and boxer Muhammad Ali, who died earlier this year. The win means Bolt, who turns 30 today, has become the first man in history to complete the ‘triple-triple’ – in the US dubbed the ‘threepeat’ – by winning the 100m, 200m and sprint relay titles at three consecutive Olympic Games. He has the word records in all three events, although in a sign that age may be catching up with him, he failed to smash his own record in the 200m in Rio. Speaking after his victory on Friday, the star said: ‘I’ve worked hard every Olympics to win three gold medals. I’ve proven to the world I’m the greatest. I’m happy I’ve accomplished so much. I would have never thought I could go back to back to back at the Olympics. I hope I’ve set the bar high enough so that no one can do it again.’
And appearing to confirm that this will be his last Olympics, Bolt added: ‘I’m going to miss the crowd, the energy and the competition. It’s been a great career.
‘It’s mixed feelings. It’s a relief, because it’s really stressful. I’ve had injury problems, but I’m also sad that I have to leave. This is my last one.’
Bolt’s incredible achievements have inspired worldwide affection. But more personal support has come from glamorous girlfriend Kasi Bennett, who celebrated through social media accounts.
After his final win in the men’s relay, Bennett showed her appreciation by posting: ‘Respect the legend.’
Bolt’s incredible run of success began in Beijing in 2008 with a stunning victory in the 100m final, where he dropped his hands ten metres before the line and showboated past the cameras.
Then in London 2012 he delighted fans by achieving the improbable ‘double treble’, successfully defending all three titles he had won in Beijing. Now Bolt has ended his historic career in Rio as the second most successful Olympian of all time – with only American swimmer Michael Phelps ahead of him.