BEIJING (AP) -- After two years of uncertainty, Usain Bolt produced the biggest clutch performance of his career Sunday to beat Justin Gatlin with a lunge at the line in the 100-meter final at the world championships.
Bolt was trailing for almost the entire race in the biggest showdown in the sport in years. But with gritted teeth, the two-time Olympic champion clawed back into contention and made his giant stride count to win in 9.79 seconds - .01 seconds faster than the American veteran.
''A lot of people counted me out,'' Bolt said. ''So for me to come and win, this is a big deal.''
Rising to the occasion as he always does, Bolt put a shockingly bad semifinal heat behind him to recover with a good start in the final. Two lanes to his right, Gatlin was as good as perfect for most of the race, but for seven years now, there is no denying the greatest sprinter in history.
This victory, Bolt's tightest in a major championship after being accustomed to world-record times and winning gold medals by huge margins, was extra special.
''It's No. 1 when it comes to competition,'' Bolt said.
Thanks
Asit Ghosh
Senior Lecturer, TE
