Usain Bolt bowed out of the Olympic Games by winning his ninth medal as Jamaica took 4×100 metres relay gold. It marked the end of an era for Bolt, and the sport.
Here, we look back at three moments from his Games career which have helped define the man and the athlete.
BEIJING 2008: 100M FINAL
Bolt produced his first truly jaw-dropping moment on the global stage as he stormed to his first Olympic title in a then world record of 9.69 seconds. The feat was all the more amazing given that he spread his arms to celebrate before the line and pounded his chest, finishing with his shoe lace undone. It was a clear sign that athletics had a new star – both in terms of speed and style.
LONDON 2012: THAT PHOTO WITH SWEDEN’S HANDBALL TEAM
The Jamaican has – or at least had – a reputation for living life in the fast lane both on and off the track. His personality is as much a part of his appeal as his sprinting. Following his 100m triumph at London 2012 he celebrated by partying in his room with three members of the Swedish women’s handball team, tweeting a picture of the four of them together.
RIO 2016: A KISS GOODBYE
Having followed his 100m triumph by retaining his 200m title, Bolt knelt down to kiss the finish line of the Olympic Stadium track. It was a gesture to mark the end of an era, his final individual race at an Olympics, perhaps his final 200m race at a major championships full stop. He repeated the trick 24 hours later after anchoring Jamaica to victory in the 4x100m, his final race at a Games.
Lap of honor from Bolt & #JAM ends with the main man kneeling down to kiss the finish line as chants of 'Usain Bolt, Usain Bolt' ring out
— Rob Woollard (@robwoollard_afp) August 20, 2016
