USAIN Bolt cemented his place as one of the greatest Olympic athletes the world has ever seen when he roared to victory in the 200m final.
Already the world's most recognisable track star, the brilliant 25-year-old Jamaican took his fame to a new level as he crossed the finish line in almost nonchalant fashion at the Olympic Stadium in London last night.
He slowed down just before the finish, gesturing to the crowd and cameras as he crossed the line in a winning time of 19.32 seconds – outside his own world record of 19.19 seconds.
Delighting the 80,000 spectators who witnessed history in the making, Bolt completed a historic double after already successfully defending his 100m title on Sunday.
And his win was received with the sort of reception usually only afforded to Team GB athletes.
Bolt lit up the Games four days ago and his run in the 200m was one of the most anticipated events remaining in the Games.
And he did not disappoint, retaining the 200m gold medal he won in Beijing.
It means Bolt is the first man to win the Olympic sprint double twice in succession.
He led a Jamaican clean sweep of the final, with 100m silver medallist Yohan Blake and Warren Weir in silver and bronze position respectively.
After crossing the line first to thunderous cheers, Bolt gave his customary arms outstretched, lighting bolt pose, before milking applause from spectators on his victory parade, draped in a Jamaican flag.
Bolt said: "This is what I wanted and I got it. I'm very proud of myself. After a rough season I came out here and did it.
"I thought the world record was possible. I guess I was fast but not fit enough.
"I could feel my back strain a little bit, so all I did was to keep my form. I'm very dedicated to my work and London meant so much to me."
Bolt had said after winning the 100m on Sunday that also winning the 200m would make him a legend.
He said: "Some of you guys doubted me. I just had to show the world I was the greatest."
After receiving his gold medal, Bolt received a second standing ovation by giving his trademark pose on top of the podium.
Another of the day's big winners was Ireland's golden girl Katie Taylor, who paid tribute to the legions of Irish fans who roared her to a thrilling victory in the Olympic lightweight boxing final.
The 26-year-old fulfilled the hopes of her nation after realising her own dreams in front of thousands of ecstatic supporters in the ExCel arena.
"The crowd was just unbelievable all week for any Irish boxer," she said.
"It was just incredible, it was like a home Games."
Taylor, from Bray, Co Wicklow, said: "This was what I always dreamed of. I have envisaged this moment so many times before and it's just better than all my wildest dreams."