Usain Bolt’s Historic, Theatrical 100m Victory In Pictures

The World’s Fastest Man dominated the 100m finals, retaining his title in spectacular fashion.

Sunday night, the stage was set for one of the Olympics’ marquee events: the 100m final, which determines the identity of the World’s Fastest Man.

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Usain Bolt is the reigning champion. But in the past few months, he’s been outraced by Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay, and Yohan Blake. Here’s his routine at the starting line.

Shhhhhhh.

And they’re off.

Image by PAUL HANNA / Reuters

Despite being a must-watch event, the 100m final lasts less than 10 seconds. Justin Gatlin had the best start, but Bolt quickly took off.

Image by EDDIE KEOGH / Reuters

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This is where he began to pull away. Gatlin and Blake are about even.

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At the end, it really wasn’t that close.

Bolt set a new Olympic record at 9.63 seconds.

And Blake just barely edged Gatlin for silver.

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As soon as he crossed the line, Bolt show the preening confidence that he’s known for.

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Always good when you can get the Olympic torch in your picture.

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Soon after winning, Bolt went to his knees, and the cameras followed him.

Image by MARK BLINCH / Reuters

Image by KAI PFAFFENBACH / Reuters

Image by KAI PFAFFENBACH / Reuters

He kisses the track. They have a fruitful relationship.

Once his communion with the track was done, Bolt resumed his celebration.

Image by KAI PFAFFENBACH / Reuters

Complete with plenty of examples of his signature celebration.

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Someone brought him a Jamaican flag. In addition to being one of the most popular athletes at the Olympics, Bolt is pretty unanimously thought of as the greatest athlete in his country’s history.

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He and Blake exchanged congratulations with bronze medalist Justin Gatlin, who has a flag of his own.

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Then the crowd gave him their love.

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Bolt celebrated with compatriot Blake. Bolt has said that Blake gave him a wake-up call and made him realize that he could be beat.

Image by KAI PFAFFENBACH / Reuters

At only 22, it’s very likely Blake will be a challenger for the 100m again in 2016.

Image by KAI PFAFFENBACH / Reuters

Image by KAI PFAFFENBACH / Reuters

You can see here that it isn’t just Jamaican fans that were clamoring to congratulate Bolt and Blake.

Image by PAUL HANNA / Reuters

That’s Bolt’s mom between the two sprinters.

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And that’s the weird-as-hell London mascot that Bolt decided to force into his celebratory pose.

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Blake is amused.

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Ladies and gentlemen: your two fastest men in the world.

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