Usain Bolt cruises into 200m final
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jamaican Usain Bolt was back to his best today, cruising into the world championships 200 metres final with the greatest of ease before whipping the crowd into a frenzy in Daegu.
"Number one, baby," he mouthed to screaming fans after winning his semi-final in a time of 20.31 seconds.
Bolt, who had kept the showboating to a minimum in the morning heats after his stunning disqualification from the 100 metres final, could not contain himself any longer, primping and preening himself as the camera and the South Korean crowd ate it up.
Among those joining the defending champion and world record holder in Saturday's final are American Walter Dix as well as Frenchman Christophe Lemaitre, who ran the fastest semi-final of 20.17.
"I wanted to be the fastest," Lemaitre told Eurosport. "I hope I can master running the curve."
Bolt blasted out of lane six and had passed American Darvis Patton on his outside in what seemed like the first few strides, powering down the home straight before easing up long before the line.
After getting disqualified from the 100 final for a false start on Sunday, Bolt eschewed showboating and swept past the media without a word earlier on Friday.
However, the lanky Jamaican's celebrations were back on full display after the semi-final as he delivered his signature victory pose then hurled his shoes into the crowd.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments