Jamaica Captures Gold in Olympic Track and Field

Many considered the premier event of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China to be the 100M. The 100M was to highlight both previous world record holders, Asafa Powell (Jamaica), and Tyson Gay (United States), as well as the current world record holder, Usain Bolt of Jamaica.

Bolt eclipsed his previous record of 9.72 to capture the gold, stamping a new world record time in the men's 100M, exuding his prowess by beating his chest while crossing the finish line. After taking a convincing lead out of the blocks, Bolt took form, and pulled up with about 10 meters to go, leading many to believe that Bolt could have ran closer to a 9.5 time in the 100M. Bolt's victory. Fellow Jamaican Asafa Powell took silver.

While many were still in awe previously witnessing the spectacle in Bolt's 100M record sprint, the anticipation built for Bolt in the 200M. Bolt's specialty had been the 200M, until he was convinced that maybe his 6'5" frame could lend him an advantage in the 100M. Could it be that Bolt could also break Michael Johnson's world record in the 200M as easily as he shattered his own world record in the 100M. Johnson's record was one that many thought could never be peaked; however, Bolt was a non-believer. Bolt sprang from the blocks to take a lead in the inside lane as he approached the corner; as he entered the straightaway, he distanced himself from the pack, this time maintaining his form as he finished the race, breaking Johnson's previous record.

Shirley Ann-Richardson sprinted past her competition in the women's 100M, capturing the gold in 10.73. F

The spectacle of HD and China's delivery of the race in slow-motion, gave us the opportunity to really appreciate what we were witnessing; world records that may never be broken.

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