Much to the surprise of nobody, Usain Bolt booked his spot in the Olympic 200m final over night, clocking his fastest time of the season in the process.
The Jamaican, who has already retained the 100m Olympic title he’s owned since Beijing in 2008, ran his semi-final in 19.78 seconds.
Although this was his best time of the season so far, once again there was a sense amongst viewers that Bolt was perhaps holding something back. Clearly, it wasn’t quite as straightforward as his 200m heat, which he won despite easing off after establishing a healthy lead on the bend, but the fact he had time to exchange grins with Canada’s Andre DeGrasse as he crossed the line suggested to some that he was still operating well within his comfort zone.
Those that were awake / in a more suitable time zone to watch it particularly enjoyed it, with many commenting on the bromance between Bolt and his Canadian rival.
People search all their lives for what De Grasse and Bolt have. #Bromance pic.twitter.com/msfs5tKzjK
— Norm Kelly (@norm) August 18, 2016
I love how @de6rasse and @usainbolt grin through the last 5 metres, looking like they're out for a leisurely run. #Rio2016 #TeamCanada
— Leanne Shirtliffe (@LShirtliffe) August 18, 2016
https://twitter.com/domjoly/status/766090242583592960
Usain Bolt, whether smiling for the camera mid-run or turning and pointing with a bantery grin to the guy coming second, just amazes me.
— ⚫️ Cactus Doug (@ColneyHatch) August 18, 2016
Bolt called De Grasse 'the next one'… They have a bromance going on here, and both share mutual respect.. How can you not love this?!
— Nik- #HereWeGo (@NikkF07) August 18, 2016
Bolt and DeGrasse will now compete in Thursday’s final – a final that a couple of Bolt’s former rivals missed out on.
American Justin Gatlin, a silver medallist in the 100m final, only finished third in his semi-final with a time of 20.13 seconds. Also missing out on the final will be Bolt’s countryman, Yohan Blake, who won a silver in the 200m at the London Games four years ago. Having battled injury throughout recent years, Blake’s time of 20.37 seconds wasn’t enough to earn a spot in the final.
Unlike Gatlin and Blake, Britain’s Adam Gamili will be joining Bolt in the final. The 22-year-old qualified as one of two fastest losers.
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