Jamaica WINS 4X100m Relay, Setting World Record!!!

Associated Press



DAEGU, South Korea -- In one whirlwind week, Usain Bolt turned the biggest disappointment of his career into another golden show capped with a world record even he believed was not within him this year.


After opening with a false start in 100 final last Sunday, Usain Bolt again produced the amazing in his closing race of the world championships -- anchoring Jamaica to a world record in the 4x100-meter relay.


When the first three runners passed the baton, Bolt seized the moment.


"I said, 'Why not give my all.' I kept saying: 'I can do this. I can do this," he said.And when Bolt is convinced, the clock usually obliges.


Fittingly, Jamaica's yellow-green-and-black flag was the last one rising into the night over Daegu Stadium, and Bolt spread his giant arms wide to soak in the occasion.


"For me, it was just to go out there fast," Bolt said. "We did just that." 

One day after winning gold in the 200, Bolt was devastating down the home stretch of the relay and threw his yellow-clad chest across the line for a time of 37.04 seconds -- the only world record in nine days of competition.

"This record was a great achievement," Bolt said. "I finished the championships on a good note so I'm proud of myself."


There was none of the performance anxiety that pushed him into a false start in the 100, only a sheer release of power as he coasted down the stretch for an overwhelming win over France and Saint Kitts and Nevis.

He came looking for the same three gold medals he won at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2009 world championships but left with only two and a world record.


The United States was out of it because of a botched exchange, but no one could have gotten close to a Jamaican team anchored by Bolt.


Ahead of the race, Bolt was already slapping the "JAM" on his bib in pride, and in a season where he was far from his best, he came through with a world record.


He got all the help he needed from his three teammates -- a lightning start from Nesta Carter and a good handover to Michael Frater before Jamaica's golden duo was up. Yohan Blake, the 100 champion in Bolt's absence, powered through the final bend, with Bolt already getting his giant stride going before he took the baton.