Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt is one of the most successful (and popular) athletes in the world, and Sunday night he became the first athlete to take gold in the 100 meters in three consecutive Olympic Games. Of course there’s still more work for Bolt to do in Rio, as he still has the 200 meters and 4x100 relay races on his schedule, which offers up more opportunities to add to his resume.
But he wasn’t the only track athlete to make a major impression Sunday night. South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk won the 400 meters, and in doing so broke both the Olympic and world records. Bolt made sure to congratulate van Niekerk, who’s coached by a 74-year old great-grandmother of four, after winning the 100.
Brilliant. Bolt stops interview to go and congratulate Van Niekerk. https://t.co/W8VgiOlfDn
— Mathew Quinn (@MatTMQ) August 15, 2016
Throughout the night there was no shortage of reactions to van Niekerk and Bolt on Twitter, including a tweet fired off by Bolt himself (or someone in charge of his Twitter account). Michael Johnson, whose world record fell in the 400, offered his congratulations to van Niekerk.
Jamaica Stand Up!!!
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) August 15, 2016
This for you my people
Congratulations @WaydeDreamer to you and your coach! Well done and deserved. Olympic Gold and World record. I know the feeling! #Rio2016
— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) August 15, 2016
Nothing u can do vs that cheetah! #Bolt
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 15, 2016
Congratulations to our friend, @usainbolt! 🏅#MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/AGrswjRxZc
— 🇺🇸 FC Bayern US 🇨🇦 (@FCBayernUS) August 15, 2016
Usain Bolt. Even faster than the demise of Arsenal's Title Hopes
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) August 15, 2016
This sums the 100 m up perfectly pic.twitter.com/s8rHKsCByI
— Anthony Stewart (@StuMunrue) August 15, 2016
Lastly, how about a race including both van Niekerk and Bolt in the near future?
Asked Wayde Van Niekerk if he'd like to race Usain Bolt in a 200. He said he'd love to and maybe even run a 100 with the big guys. #Rio2016
— Chris Chavez (@ChrisChavez) August 15, 2016
