Bolt of Lightning

Jamaican sets world record in 100

Although it was not the "Three-Man Showdown" that track purists anticipated, the Men's 100-meter final was still the sport's glamor event as Usain Bolt of Jamaica prevailed in a record-setting 9.69 seconds. Tyson Gay of the USA failed to qualify for the final.

Jamaican sets world record in 100

Bolt (center) produced one of the most epic races in track history -- and all with one of his shoes untied.

Jamaican sets world record in 100

The final turned into a rout, as the 21-year-old Usain Bolt took a huge lead halfway through the race.

Jamaican sets world record in 100

Bolt, who actually skidded from the blocks, needed 41 strides to cover the 100 meters and practically loped past the finish line.

Jamaican sets world record in 100

With the finish line nearing, Bolt actually took the time to look to his right to see if anyone was closing in.

Jamaican sets world record in 100

Bolt actually started celebrating his victory 10 strides before reaching the finish line.

Jamaican sets world record in 100

Bolt beat Richard Thompson of Trinidad and Tobago (3025) by 0.2 second -- more than a body length.

Jamaican sets world record in 100

Scary thought for all other sprinters: Bolt's specialty has been the 200 meters, which he will be a heavy favorite to win next week in what would be the first men's Olympic sprint double since Carl Lewis in 1988.

Jamaican sets world record in 100

Asafa Powell on Bolt: "Usain was spectacular. He was definitely untouchable tonight. He could have gone a lot faster if he had run straight through the line."

Jamaican sets world record in 100

Bolt broke his own record, set in May in New York, by .03 second and became the first sprinter to set the world record in an Olympic final since Donovan Bailey ran 9.84 at the 1996 Atlanta Games.