Rio breathe sigh of relief as Usain Bolt 100m triumph goes to plan

IT took 9.81secs for one man to save the 2016 Rio Olympics. He did everything we wanted him too. Which when we look back, will never be said about the 2016 Games in Brazil.

Usain Bolt’s victory in the men's 100m final has saved the Olympic Games

IT took 9.81secs for one man to save the 2016 Rio Olympics.

He did everything we wanted him too. Which when we look back, will never be said about the 2016 Games in Brazil.

Almost nothing has gone right in Rio.

Usain Bolt’s victory in the men's 100m final has saved the Olympic Games

From green pools to superstars held-up at gun point.

From transport chaos to terror alerts and athletes banned from tourist spots.

From backpacks detonated by bomb squads to media buses peppered with bullets.

Another day, another drama.

But on a warm Sunday night at the Olympic Stadium in Rio, a 29-year-old from Kingston in Jamaica managed to save everything we’ll remember about the 2016 games.

Usain Bolts to golden victory at Rio

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The build-up was reminiscent of a world title fight. American drug cheat Justin Gatlin, Bolt’s only threat, was jeered.

So loud was the reception for Bolt, he only needed to hold his pointed-index finger to his lips for an entire stadium to hush.

And then the world waited.

For 9.81 secs the world watched. We held our breath and then we stood as one to applaud the magic.

Jamaica Stand Up!!!
This for you my people

— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) August 15, 2016

Bolt missed the start, forced to steady his stride, before lifting his eyes and then focus on gliding towards the finish line.

He celebrated with the people. He struck his signature ‘Lightning Bolt’ pose.

His Twitter handle posted a message : “Jamaica stand up. This is for you my people.’’

They were standing. So was the rest of the world.

Originally published as Rio breathe sigh of relief as Usain Bolt 100m triumph goes to plan