Entertainment

Justin Gatlin just beat Usain Bolt in the Jamaican’s last ever 100m race and people have a lot to say

Bolt is expected to take part in the 4x100m relay race in London next weekend.
Bolt is expected to take part in the 4x100m relay race in London next weekend.

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.

United States' Justin Gatlin, left, bows to Usain Bolt
(Martin Meissner/AP)

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.

Bolt didn’t seem as upset as he might’ve following the race, completing his lap of honour to a cheering crowd.

Jamaica's Usain Bolt after finished third in the men's 100m final
(John Walton/PA)
Usain Bolt celebrates
(John Walton/PA Wire/PA Images)
(John Walton/PA)

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.

But there were still plenty of people happy to see the 35-year-old win.

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.

That’s definitely not one to miss.