BEIJING (AFP) — Jamaica's Usain Bolt broke the 200-meter world record to complete the first Olympic golden sprint double in 24 years, surging ahead from the start to win Wednesday's final in 19.30 seconds.
Just four days after shattering his own world 100m record and on the eve of his 22nd birthday, Bolt pulled away around the curve and stretched his victory margin, with Churandy Martina of Dutch Antilles runner-up in 19.82.
Bolt, who had not before been pressed to run to the finish line at these Games, raced past the former world record of 19.32 set by American legend Michael Johnson at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Not since Carl Lewis in 1984 had any man claimed 100m and 200m gold in the same Olympics, but this lightning Bolt struck twice in the same place to the delight of 91,000 roaring fans at the Bird's Nest.
As Bolt danced around the track on a victory lap, the stadium loudspeakers played "Happy Birthday" to the Jamaican some 90 minutes early.
Bolt became the ninth man to achieve the 100-200 Olympic double after winning the 100 final on Saturday in an astounding 9.69 seconds, breaking his former world mark of 9.72 from May in New York.
After crossing the finish line and raising his arms in celebration, Bolt grabbed a Jamaican flag and draped it around his neck. He took off his golden shoes and began an impromptu celebration dance.
American Wallace Spearmon crossed the line third in 19.95, but was disqualified and 2004 Olympic champion Shawn Crawford of the United States moved up from fourth in 19.96 to take the bronze. American Walter Dix was fifth in 19.98.
Bolt started in lane five after making his trademark "Lightning Bolt" arm gesture before the start with Crawford just inside him at the gun.
Ironically, Johnson had said just hours earlier he did not think Bolt had what it took to erase his record from the books in Beijing.
"I don't think his training has been geared to that part yet," Johnson said. "But in a few years it will be, and then I will be ready to kiss my record goodbye."
That smooch came earlier than he expected even as more Jamaicans showed top form.
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