Usain Bolt Wins Gold Medal During Men's 100M at 2016 Olympics

Jamaica's Usain Bolt became the first athlete in Olympic history to win the 100 meters at three different Games on Sunday, winning yet another gold medal in Rio de Janeiro with a time of 9.81 seconds:

American Justin Gatlin jumped out to a quick start, but Bolt quickly surpassed him. Gatlin earned the silver medal with a time of 9.89 seconds, while Canada's Andre de Grasse won bronze with a time of 9.91 seconds.

Bolt tweeted in the aftermath:

"It was brilliant," Bolt said, per the Olympic News Service. "I didn't go so fast but I'm so happy I won. I told you guys I was going to do it."

"Somebody said I can become immortal," Bolt added. "Two more medals to go and I can sign off. Immortal."

Bolt took the gold at the Olympic Games in Beijing and London, becoming only the second man to win the 100 meters twice, along with legendary sprinter Carl Lewis. He entered the 2016 event in search of a so-called triple-double, as he also took gold in the 200 meters at both Games.

But his preparation for this year's Olympics hit a major snag when he suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out of the Jamaican National Championships, per BBC Sport. The 29-year-old returned to the track in London for the Anniversary Games, but he finished the 200 meters in a disappointing 19.89 seconds.

While most assumed he would return to form in time to defend his gold medal, the competition for this year's title was fierce, with the likes of Gatlin and Yohan Blake looking to upset the favorite.

But once again, Bolt proved he's the fastest man on the planet, racing to his third 100-meter gold medal.

Bolt was already regarded as the greatest sprinter in modern history before the 2016 Summer Olympics began, and a third straight gold medal in the marquee event confirmed it. It will likely be his last as well, as Bolt is set to retire before the 2020 Games.