Usain Bolt achieved ‘immortality’

Usain Bolt achieved ‘immortality’ as he achieved the unique sprint triple-triple that has long seemed his destiny.
Bolt, 29, won his third gold medal of Rio 2016 - and his ninth overall - as he anchored the Jamaican 4x100m relay team to victory.

He adds the medal to the 100m and 200m golds he took earlier in the Games, just as he did in London and Beijing.

The result was never in doubt for Jamaica’s sprint dream team of Bolt, Asafa Powell, Yohan Blake and Nickel Ashmeade dominated the event, finishing in 37.27secs, around half a second slower than the world record.

Great Britain’s team of Richard Kilty, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, James Ellington and Adam Gemili finished sixth in 37.98secs after what appeared to be a slow final baton change. Japan took silver and USA bronze.

After crossing the line, ‘Lightning’ Bolt went on a slow victory lap of the Olympic stadium, enjoying what he has said will be his last ever race at an Olympic Games.

He had said before the race that if he achieved the triple triple he would be ‘immortal’, and few who have witnessed him over the past eight years are likely to disagree.

Earlier the GB women’s 4x100m team claimed a superb bronze behind the USA and Jamaica, setting a new British record in the process.

Asha Philip, Desiree Henry, Dina Asher-Smith and Daryll Neita were Britain’s first medalists in the event for 32 years.