World Athletics Championships | Usain Bolt loses to Justin Gatlin in 100m final

World Athletics Championships | Usain Bolt loses to Justin Gatlin in 100m final

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Usain Bolt had to be content with a bronze medal in the 100 m race at the World Athletics Championships in London after losing to Justin Gatlin in the final. Gatlin finished first in the competition to win the gold medal whereas 21-year-old Christian Coleman grabbed the silver medal.

American sprinter Gatlin, who has a controversial career, had won silvers behind Bolt at the last two world championships. But yesterday, he pulled off his best and managed to complete the race in only 9.92 seconds. Christian Coleman won silver after finishing it in 9.94 sec. Bolt failed to provide the perfect end to his perfect career as he won a bronze medal and managed 9.95 sec in his last 100m final.

"I'm sorry I couldn't end it on a winning note, but I want to thank you for your support. It's been a wonderful experience as always," said Bolt yesterday after the match as reported by AFP. 

Bolt lost to a man who produced a comeback not only on Saturday but also through a doping-tainted career. 

"I tuned it out (the boos) through the rounds and stayed the course," said Gatlin.

"I did what I had to do. The people who love me are here cheering for me and cheering at home.

"It is Bolt's last race. I have had many victories and many defeats down the years. It is an amazing occasion. We are rivals on the track but in the warm-down area we joke and have a good time."

"The first thing he did was congratulate me and say that I didn't deserve the boos. He is an inspiration," Gatlin said of Bolt.

Of his 19 global golds, 13 have come in individual events and his charismatic personality has guaranteed the Jamaican recognition as one of the world's most successful sportsmen.

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