Bolt scorches to 100 metres gold

Usain Bolt retained his Olympic 100 metres title in spectacular style on Sunday when the Jamaican scorched down the track in 9.63 seconds, the second-fastest time ever run.

Bolt's 9.58 seconds in winning the 2009 world championship title is the only quicker time and Sunday's brilliant display as he made up a massive early deficit proved he had completely recovered from the hamstring problems that had given a sliver of hope to his rivals.

World champion Yohan Blake made it a Jamaican 1-2 when he won silver in 9.75 seconds and 2004 champion Justin Gatlin of the United states grabbed bronze in 9.79 as the first seven all broke 10 seconds. Asafa Powell pulled up injured.

Bolt will now bid to complete an unprecedented double-double by retaining his 200 metres title and will also seek a sixth sprint gold in the 4x100metres relay.

Compatriot Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce also retained her women's title to give Jamaica a flying start in their sprint showdown with the United States.