Usain Bolt’s mid-race smile celebrated by meme makers

Bolt won a third successive 100m title on Sunday to set up his bid to repeat his haul of three gold medals in the 100, 200 and 4x100m relay at both the Beijing and London Olympics in 2008 and 2012 respectively.

His main rival Usain Bolt, the overwhelming favorite to win this race and world’s best in the event, won his heat in 20.28 seconds, the 15th fastest. “I am happy and I am proud of myself, ” said Bolt in the media conference after the historic win.

“I knew the first round was going to be rough. I never want to lose or do anything bad”. I’ve recovered from the 100m.

“I’m a little bit exhausted now”, claimed Bolt after the race. “I’m looking forward to tomorrow (the semi-finals, Wednesday 17 August)”. He briefly put his hands together, as if in thanks. However, the seven-time Olympic champion felt a slightly shorter race against Van Niekerk would be a good one.

Gatlin qualified for the Olympics by winning the U.S. Olympic trials with a time of 19.75.

“There is no alpha male syndrome among American athletes”.

His compatriot LaShawn Merritt is the fastest man this year over the half-lap and he showed no signs of fatigue from winning a bronze medal in the 400 metres on Sunday, a strong finish carrying him to victory in heat eight in 20.15.

“Most of the young guys always run fast in the heats, but to win is the key thing because you get a better semi-final”.

This past weekend, Gatlin ran a blistering 9.89 seconds in the 100 meter dash, but had to settle for silver as three-time gold medalist Usain Bolt pulled away from Gatlin in the last 30 meters with a time of 9.81.

Canadian Andre De Grasse, who won bronze in the 100-meter, finished with the best time among all first-round runners at 20.09 seconds.

“I think if I can get a good night’s rest after the semifinals I think I could [break the record]”, Bolt told reporters.

“I owe a lot of that to my friends keeping my morale up”.