Like Carl Lewis before him in 1984, Usain Bolt has completed the double in the two flagship sprint events, winning gold in the 200m four days after dominating the 100m. With 19.30s, he beat Michael Johnson's 1996 record, which was thought untouchable (19.32s), despite an unfavourable wind. Usain Bolt, who turns 22 tomorrow, thus hangs a second gold medal around his neck.
Jamaica thus takes home the tidy sum of four gold medals and three silver since Sherika Williams' second place in the 400m yesterday and Melaine Walker's victory in the 400m hurdles in the minutes after Bolt's triumph.
Euphoria sweeps the island, and sales of Jamaican flags are soaring. Mavado had said it: Jamaica is faster than a bullet. In backing Asafa Powell, he had just got the wrong athlete.