‘Lightning Bolt’ strikes again in Jamaica’s world-record 400 relay

LONDO — If Usain Bolt was already a legend after completing his second consecutive Olympic sprint double during these London Games, what exalted status has he reached now after running an astonishingly fast anchor leg to help Jamaica set a world record and win the 400-meter relay?

The final race on the Olympic Stadium track added to the legend that is Bolt. He was a blur Saturday as he took the baton from Yohan Blake and flew to the finish line, bringing it home in 36.84 seconds. That broke the world record of 37.04 Jamaica had set at last year’s world championships.

Nesta Carter led off and Michael Frater ran the second leg before yielding to Blake and, finally Bolt as Jamaica won its second consecutive Olympic 400-relay title.

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Afterward, Bolt held onto the yellow baton and apparently wanted to keep it as a souvenir. He got into a discussion with a race official who could be seen shaking his head negatively, but Bolt threw up his hands and abandoned his argument after a few moments.

The U.S. team of Trell Kimmons, Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay and Ryan Bailey set a national record of 37.04 seconds but Bolt was so overpowering in the anchor leg that the finish wasn’t even close.

Canada appeared to have finished third but was disqualified. That left Trinidad and Tobago third in a time of 38.12 seconds.

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