Olympic athletics: I have nothing left to prove, says Bolt

London : In a show of his sprint dominance to sports fans around the world, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt won the gold medal in the 200 metres here Thursday to claim being “a legend” who has got “nothing left to prove”.

Bolt did what he promised he would do. He won the race in a commanding style, getting a flying start and running a fine bend to put him a metre-and-a-half over his only possible rival on the night — Yohan Blake, Xinhua reported.

For a moment, it looked as if Blake would close on the maestro, but it never happened as Bolt found another gear and powered over the line with Blake second and Warren Weir giving Jamaica 1-2-3.

Bolt celebrated with a series of press-ups for the waiting cameramen behind the finishing line. The Thursday’s win means Bolt has become the only man to win gold in the 100 and 200 metres in successive Olympics.

“It’s what I came here to do. I’m now a legend, I’m also the greatest athlete to live. I am in the same category as Michael Johnson (the legendary American 200 and 400 meter runner). I’m honoured. It’s all about Michael Johnson for me for me. I grew up watching him break world records. He’s a great athlete,” said Bolt.

“I did what I wanted. I came out of a rough season and I did what I had to do,” he said.

“The 200m was harder than I expected. I could feel the pressure coming off the bend and that’s when I had to focus. It’s all about the 4x100m now, to have some fun and go out there and do our best,” said Bolt, who was delighted at his country’s sprint dominance

The race was the second showdown of the Games between Bolt and Blake after Bolt had won gold in the 100 metres with an Olympic record of 9.63 seconds, the second fastest time in history.

“It’s wonderful. Jamaica has proven that we are the greatest sprint country. I know my coach is going crazy now. We worked on it the whole season. He pushed us very hard,” he added.

But nobody had forgotten that Blake had beaten Bolt in the 200 metres in the Jamaican trials and looking to repeat the triumph on the track in London and he had run the fastest 200 of 2012 and 2011 to help back up his claims.

He went even better in the final, finishing with a season’s best of 19.44, but once again Bolt showed that he can turn on his lightning speed whenever it is needed.

“I’ve got nothing left to prove. I’ve showed the world I’m the best and, right now, I just want to enjoy myself. This is my moment. I’ll never forget this,” he said.