Usain Bolt has finished third in his last ever 100 metres race, conceding the World Championship title to Justin Gatlin.
A stunned silence came over the London Stadium as Gatlin crossed the line in 9.92 seconds, ahead of Bolt, before the American bowed to the Jamaican as he approached following the race.
The USA’s Christian Coleman won silver with a time of 9.94, while Bolt’s bronze came in 9.95.
Gatlin has been waiting a long time to beat Bolt in competition – and in doing so denied the Jamaican the opportunity to win his 20th global gold in Olympic and World Championships.
But given that this was Bolt’s final solo event in a career unlike any athletics has seen before, Gatlin’s name appears to be getting only getting a mention in passing in coverage and on social media.
The Fastest Man On All The Planets.
Today doesn't matter. Respect forever to Usain #Bolt. pic.twitter.com/erXOSS69cs
— 326 Bureau Chief (@326BureauChief) August 5, 2017
USAIN BOLT IS STILL A LEGENDUSAIN BOLT IS STILL A LEGENDUSAIN BOLT IS STILL A LEGENDUSAIN BOLT IS STILL A LEGEND pic.twitter.com/GxNhy0W8X0
— Tré Thomas (@TreXThomas_) August 5, 2017
Just watched the last ever @usainbolt race. Huge respect for everything you achieved. You were always a joy to watch. Happy retirement 👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/2sMqENrfW3
— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) August 5, 2017
It's a shame @usainbolt couldn't go out on a high but in the grand scheme of things doesn't dent his legacy at all. Shout out to a legend🥇.
— Kinetic Fitness (@KineticFitness_) August 5, 2017
Still, Usain Bolt made me enjoy and believe in athletics and superheroes again.
— Shaka Hislop (@ShakaHislop) August 5, 2017
#100mFinal result's irrelevant; Earth is 4.5 billion years old & we were lucky enough to be around at the same time as Usain Bolt.👏 #Legend pic.twitter.com/nA8MSP1wwJ
— Melanie 🐝➰ (@WaywardFannibal) August 5, 2017
Bolt didn’t seem as upset as he might’ve following the race, completing his lap of honour to a cheering crowd.
Gatlin, who’s won five Olympic medals in a career that has also included two doping bans, was booed as his name was announced and following his victory.
When the World Boos you…
You Give them a "Justin Gatlin"
You run your race and win it… pic.twitter.com/TAyjYxYpv2
— Kelechi Nkoro (@K1Says) August 5, 2017
Justin Gatlin gets the Gold medal. The least popular result in London since Brexit
— amar singh (@amarjourno) August 5, 2017
Me after seeing Justin gatlin beat #bolt pic.twitter.com/W3fZox9Iym
— Nigerian Gamer (@nigerian_gamer) August 5, 2017
I would have accepted any winner but Justin Gatlin. But Bolt retires as a hero. Absolute hero. #London2017
— Shona Duthie (@ShonaDuthie4) August 5, 2017
But there were still plenty of people happy to see the 35-year-old win.
Usain Bolt is the greatest ever, but huge congrats to Justin Gatlin on pulling off an incredible victory. 🇺🇸
— Charles Clymer🏳️🌈 (@cmclymer) August 5, 2017
Justin Gatlin for so long been hung out to dry by a filthy sport as if they are all perfect. He's the Floyd Landis of athletics. Delighted.
— Ewan MacKenna (@EwanMacKenna) August 5, 2017
I'm so happy for Justin Gatlin. His unfair treatment has been disgusting to watch #London2017
— Lillian (@LillzAthletics) August 5, 2017
I have to say… @justingatlin FINALLY take down @usainbolt ! Long deserved, incredible careers the both of them! #IncrediBolt #JustinGatlin
— Dimitri Massey (@TrueRoyalDM4) August 5, 2017
Bolt still has one more event to take part in before his retirement, but it seems like time really has caught up the man who’s displayed an uncanny ability to manipulate it since that first gold in Beijing in 2008.
The 30-year-old will take part in the 4x100m relay next weekend, and will no doubt be hoping he can add a final gold before saying farewell.
😱 A stunning result in the men's 100m! Justin Gatlin wins gold 🥇 setting up a mouthwatering rematch in the men's 4x100m #BeTheNext showdown pic.twitter.com/AGRn9rftHy
— IAAF World Champs (@IAAFWorldChamps) August 5, 2017
That’s definitely not one to miss.
