Lightning Bolt strikes in Beijing

Aug 20 2008

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt tonight became the first man to win the Olympic sprint double for 24 years with his second world record in five days in Beijing.

Bolt, who casually shaved 0.03 seconds off his own record in winning the 100 metres title in sensational style on Saturday, clocked 19.30secs to break Michael Johnson’s 12-year-old record of 19.32s.

The 21-year-old, who turns 22 tomorrow, made a brilliant start and was already well clear of the field coming into the straight.

But unlike the 100m final, where he began celebrating well before the line, this time he sprinted through the tape to initially stop the clock at 19.31s, a time that was swiftly rounded down to 19.30s.

Churandy Martina, of the Dutch Antilles, took silver in 19.82.

American Wallace Spearmon crossed the line in third place in 19.95 but was disqualified for running out of his lane and team-mate Shawn Crawford, who ran 19.96 was promoted to the bronze medal.

Britain’s Christian Malcolm finished seventh in 20.40.

When Bolt set off on his lap of honour ’happy birthday’ rang out over the tannoy.

OLYMPIC SPRINT DOUBLES

1904 Archie Hahn (United States)

1912 Ralph Craig (United States)

1928 Percy Williams (Canada)

1932 Eddie Tolan (United States)

1936 Jesse Owens (United States)

1956 Bobby Morrow (United States)

1972 Valeriy Borzov (Soviet Union)

1984 Carl Lewis (United States)

2008 Usain Bolt (Jamaica)