Bolt creates athletics history at Rio Olympics with 100m hat-trick

Rio Olympics : Usain Bolt roared into Olympic history in Rio de Janeiro Sunday, capturing an unprecedented third consecutive 100m crown to confirm his place in the pantheon of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen.

The 29-year-old Jamaican legend, competing in his final Olympics, powered over the line in 9.81sec, vanquishing drug-tainted American rival Justin Gatlin who took silver with Andre De Grasse of Canada claiming bronze.

The multiple Olympic champion powered to victory in 9.81 seconds here on Sunday. However, during Bolt’s legendary career this was one of the tightest races.

Justin Gatlin of America was the Bolt’s biggest rival in the competition was the leader until the closing stages before the Jamaican started.

Sunday's result saw Bolt win his third successive Olympic gold in the iconic men's 100m event following his triumphs at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 Games in London.

It also cemented his status as one of the greatest sportsmen the world has ever seen.

This is also the first step towards Bolt's target of repeating his 100m, 200m and 4x100m victories at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Games.