USA’s Walter Dix took silver in 19.70 secs with France’s Christophe Lemaitre destroying his personal best to take bronze in 19,80 secs. “I made a mistake but I came back to show the world that I’m still the best,” said a beaming Bolt.
“I’m not a legend yet. I’m on my way, but I’ve got to go to London and blow people’s minds, to go to the Olympics and do something extraordinary.” Lemaitre’s time equalled the fastest ever for third in a World final, but he was barely within shouting distance of the reigning champion.
After the shambles of the 100m final some had speculated that the charismatic Bolt might tone down his antics before the gun. There were the same cartoonish charades as the athletes were called to their blocks, although the Jamaican’s reaction time of 0,193 secs — the slowest in the field — indicates that he was taking no chances of a red-card repeat.
Going hard from lane three, Bolt was on the shoulder of Dix in lane four before the bend had fully unwound and, grimacing with effort, pulled away as Lemaitre came past Jaysuma Saidy Ndure with a late surge of his own.
Bolt becomes the first man since Calvin Smith in 1987 to retain a 200m World title. “It’s wonderful (to retain it),” said the Olympic champion and world record holder. — BBCSport
