Usain Bolt
Usain Bolt of Jamaica talks to a cameraman , whose Segway lost control and hit Bolt, as he celebrates after winning the men's 200 metres final during the 15th IAAF World Championships at the National Stadium in Beijing, China, August 27, 2015. Picture taken August 27, 2015. Reuters/Dylan Martinez

After a season-plagued injury, Usain Bolt answered back to doubters after winning the 200 metre to claim his second gold medal at the World Athletics Championship. Bolt finished with 19.55 seconds, defeating American sprinter Justin Gatlin in 19.74 seconds, proving he is still the world’s fastest.

Bolt showed rustiness in his unexpected 100 metre victory on Sunday, but the Jamaican appeared in his best form on Friday, finishing with his 10th fastest ever and his best finish in three years. The Jamaican sprinter celebrated in the Bird’s Nest as much as he did after outspeeding Gatlin, who arrived in Beijing with the fastest times of the season in both 100 and the 200.

“Why I really celebrated was Justin Gatlin said earlier in the week that he was going to bring out something special for the 200m,” Bolt said, The Guardian reported. “I had to prove to him that I am No1.”

The Jamaican edged Gatlin during the 100 metre event by just one-hundredth of a second, but the 200 was less of a thriller, with Bolt coasting in the last 50 metre. Bolt, who secured his 10th world championship gold medal, said the 200 metre means a lot to him. The 29-year-old Bolt admitted that his sharpness in running came back after the semifinals, which in turn boosted his confidence heading into the 200 metre race.

“Winning the 100 meters always gives you confidence, without a doubt. The rounds really helped me, and the more I ran, the better I felt,” Bolt said, NY Times reports.

Gatlin started strongly but was unable to cope when Bolt eased away down the back straight. The 33-year-old Gatlin, who was twice banned for doping violations, failed to reach his season-best of 19.57 as he settled for the silver medal. South Africa’s Anaso Jobodwana finished at third place in a national record time of 19. 87, while British athlete Zharnel Hughes had a personal best of 20.02 seconds in his fifth place finish.

Meanwhile, American female sprinter Allyson Felix, who chose to race at 400 after a schedule conflict left her out of a double, won her first major 400 metre title after finishing in 49.2 seconds, the world’s fastest time this year. Bahamas’ Shaunae Miller won second place in 49.67, while Jamaican Shericka Jackson took the bronze in 49.99.

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