Commonwealth Games: Usain Bolt anchors Jamaica to victory in 4x100m relay in Glasgow
Saturday 2 August 2014 23:48, UK
Usain Bolt added a Commonwealth gold to his medal collection by anchoring Jamaica to victory in the men's 4x100 metres relay in Glasgow.
The 27-year-old has six Olympic and eight World Championship titles to his name but had not competed at the Commonwealth Games prior to this year.
Bolt powered down the home straight in wet conditions to bring his team home in 37.58 seconds, a new Games record.
England’s anchor runner Danny Talbot had received the baton level with Bolt but predictably was unable to match the 100m and 200m world record holder on the final leg.
The England quartet of Adam Gemili, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Richard Kilty and Talbot did manage to hang on to the silver medal after running an impressive time of 38.02s.
Bolt lapped up the acclaim on his lap of honour, posing for selfies with members of the crowd with a Jamaican flag and a Scottish Saltire draped over his shoulders. He also donned a tartan hat and scarf during the festivities.
Reception
The controversy over an alleged slur on his experiences in Scotland, which the man himself denies, has not lessened not the reception and billing Bolt has received in Glasgow.
The star attraction was given huge cheers both in the heats on Friday and the final a day later as he closed the athletics programme in style.
"It means a lot. It's the only thing missing from my collection,” Bolt said after leading Jamaica to victory.
"I'm happy to be here and sorry I didn't manage to run the individual events because the energy out here is wonderful."
Bolt is already regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time in many people’s eyes but next year he hopes to cement his legacy still further by breaking new ground in the 200m.
He added: "I just hope I can stay injury-free next season. I want to run sub-19 (seconds) and that's one of my biggest goals and biggest dreams.
"My main aim is the 200m. I think I've done enough in the 100m. I love my 200m and want to do something special in 200m."