Races

Usain, “Lightning” Bolt breaks the 200m world record at the Olympic Games, Beijing 2008.

August 20^th and a massive crowd over 91, 000 people are excited to see the 200m men final. With no wind and the people’s cheers the conditions were perfect.

Usain Bolt of Jamaica, who won a gold medal for the men’s 100m just a few days before, broke the men’s 200m world record in 19.30 seconds despite a 0.9m/s head wind, and also won his second gold medal in the Beijing Olympic Games. Churandy Martina won the silver in 19.82s and Shawn Crawford the bronze in 19.96s.

The men’s 200m world record has not been broken since the Atlanta Olympic Games on August 1 1996 when Michael Johnson (USA) ran 19.32 seconds. Johnson himself was in the stands smiling and giving Usain Bolt the thumbs up when he broke his record.

Usain Bolt who have been getting some negative comments for he jogging through the finish lines in the heats and in the men’s 100m final. However, before the 200m final he said that he would run all out, and he delivered this promise. He exploded out of the blocks and already had a lead after 100m and then ran as fast as never before.

Michael Johnson said “ Bolt was simply incredible, this guy is Superman 2” after watching Usain Bolt breaking the 200m world record set by himself.

After his gold medal victory, Usain Bolt told BBC “This is a dream come true. You come out every day to be a champion and I’m just happy. I have been dreaming about winning the 200m since I was yay high,” he continued and pointing at his knees.

“It means a lot to me - more than the 100m because I have loved this event since I was 15 and I became the youngest ever winner of the world junior championships. Since that day it was dear to my heart. I am looking forward to my birthday tomorrow - I am looking forward to going to bed, going to sleep and letting it all soak in.”

Usain Bolt will be celebrate his 22nd birthday in Beijing on Thursday and running the 4*100m relay more experienced and mature.

To see the result list click here