From left: Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay and Usain Bolt in the 100m sprint in Beijing
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Excited Jamaicans and Usain Bolt fans this morning expressed joy as the world’s fastest man whipped American rival Justin Gatlin into second in the 100m race at the IAAF World Championships now under way in Beijing, China.
Despite entering the race ranking at sixth, Bolt trumped his rival Gatlin to retain his world 100m title in spectacular style on Sunday.
One OBSERVER ONLINE reader thought the move silenced critics and rivals who had doubted that Bolt was capable of retaining his title.
“Finally he (Gatlin) can shut up and show respect where it’s due. I am waiting for the naysayers who posted their opinion before the race. I didn’t understand all the negative comments knowing Bolt has never been beaten in a championship event. I didn’t like how he looked a few months ago and he himself said he needs to improve. Once he said he was ready to go, I bought my Whiskey and got the ice ready. Now it’s back to celebrating (drinking) I have said enough,” Demuseone commented.
Readers took to social media sites Facebook and Twitter as well as the comments section of the Jamaica Observer website and shared the following:
Vaughn Mowatt: What’s Beijing Without Bolt? An Empty Nest!
Karl Henry: This man has done so much for our beloved country Jamaica! He has given us hope when there was not much, his drive and determination should be a lesson beyond sports. Let him serve as an example of guts and determination to other faucets of our country. Congratulations Mr Bolt, you are more valuable to Jamaica than you will ever know.
@Peachschnapp30: today was not about record…today was about saving track and field from a tarnish name as Gatlin and he did…he deliver
El: Yes. Congrats. It is not always good to boast especially when you know you have been less than honest and the world suspects you of blood doping among other things.
The least you can be is humble.
Jahb: When you good you good!! Congratulations Mr. Bolt. The world bows at your feet
Jamaica a mi blood line: Me proud so.till….Jamaica’s track and field sprint KING…..big up to the man from Sherwood Content Trelawny, big up to your parents … Jamaica salutes you!!!
Ellydeedo: All when Bolt is not fit those American Drug runners just cannot beat him. They are so much ashamed of themselves they can’t face the Camera. Away with the American Drug runners. Lot’s of respect to our Jamaican Athletes.
mccormacklindel: Argument settled once and for all Bolt reign supreme. Drug doped Gatlin you’ll never be number one.
After day two of the flagship event, Jamaica is in fourth position on the medal table behind Britain, USA and Germany. The team also claimed a bronze medal in the Shot Put event.
For blow-by-blow coverage of the 15th IAAF World Championships from #Beijing2015 follow @ObserverLive
Moya Hinds
