Usain Bolt Wins 3rd Rio Gold Medal, Giving Him 9 for Career

Bolt won what he said will be his final Olympic race

Usain Bolt crossed the finish line in first — he’s never done otherwise at the Olympics.

He anchored the winning 4x100 relay team from Jamaica, switching the baton to his right hand before pulling away from the USA's Trayvon Bromell at the start of the final 100 meters to finish in 37.27.

After he finished, Bolt raised the baton to the crowd and held up three fingers. Three Olympics, three perfect Games.

Aska Cambridge ran down Bromell to give Japan the silver in 37.60 seconds, 0.02 ahead of the USA. The U.S., however, was disqualified by an early baton pass after the first leg and the bronze went to Canada. The Associated Press reported that the USA planned to appeal the ruling. 

Bolt romped in the 200 meters Thursday night, but finished in 19.78 seconds, .59 short of his own world record. Still, that gave him Olympic gold medal No. 8 and a third straight 200 title to go with the same trifecta in the 100 meters. 

As for his Rio Olympic goals, Bolt said immortality was the main one. 

"What else can I do to the world to prove I am the greatest? I'm trying to be one of the greatest. Be among Ali and Pele," Bolt said.

If nothing else, Bolt will remain among two of the greatest runners in Olympic history — his nine golds on the track ties him with Paavo Nurmi and Carl Lewis. The only athlete in any sport with more is Michael Phelps.

Phelps said he was retiring after London, only to come back and win six medals in Rio, including five golds. 

Bolt was asked if he was considering doing the same for 2020 in Tokyo.

"No, definitely not," Bolt said with a smile. "No, no."

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