Video by: Emily Verdouw
Even as the world doubted him, Usain Bolt dug deep enough to produce a win at the World Championships in Beijing. He didn’t break any records. In fact, his 9.79 seconds was more than two tenths off his world record.
He also wasn’t the favourite. Justin Gatlin came into the final on a 28-race unbeaten run and a semi-final time of 9.77 seconds.
“I’ve learned over the years that when Justin Gatlin comes to a championship, he always shows up,” Bolt said in his post-race press conference.
And doesn’t that just make the win even sweeter? We all love an underdog, after all. Especially when the celebrations are this good.
In the spirit of this, please enjoy some of Bolt’s best.
When he beat Gatlin at this year’s worlds.
As established, this was a big deal. You can HEAR the EXCITEMENT.
When he set a new world record in Berlin 2009.
How is it even possible to run 100 metres in 9.58 seconds? Please explain, Usain.
When he set a new world record at the 2009 World Championship.
200 metres in 19.19 seconds.
When he won the 200m final at the 2011 world champs.
In 19.40 seconds.
When he won the 100 metre gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics.
And just kept running.
When he was all about the love at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Celebrating a gold medal on the podium like a boss.
When he threw his shoes into the crowd.
Spikes to the face. Awesome.
Please don't ever change.