The incredible rise and rise of Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt broke his second world record in four days and gave himself the best possible birthday present as he became the first man in 24 years to complete the Olympic blue riband double of the 100 and 200 metres.

"It's great, it is a dream come true," Bolt said. "I knew the track was fast, but I didn't know it was this fast. I am shocked."

The 6ft 5in Jamaican was not even born when Carl Lewis was presented with the gold medals for winning both events at the Los Angeles Olympics of 1984.

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Now Bolt, 22 tomorrow, has been elevated to the same level as the man who thrilled the world's sports fans in the 1980s. He romped home in 19.30sec in front of 91,000 roaring spectators at China's National Stadium, knocking two hundredth's of a second off Michael Johnson's mark, set at the Atlanta Games of 1996. "I have been aspiring to the world record for so long," he said.

"I feel good. I have just proved to the world I am a true champion and with hard work anything is possible. This is more than I can handle really, I'm a bit overwhelmed. I didn't think a 200m record was on because I felt tired after the heats. But I told everyone I was going to come out here and leave everything on the track and I did just that."

Bolt had already set a new world record of 9.69sec in winning the 100 metres at a canter on Saturday. Johnson’s time was expected to be a lot more difficult to beat, but this time he actually appeared to be trying as he sprinted solidly before grimacing and stretching for the line.

Although only fifth-fastest out of the blocks, Bolt's giant strides instantly made the difference as he assumed a lead that would never seriously be threatened.

But this time he dropped the arrogant swagger. Gone was the style of the Sunday morning jogger which had seen him through to the final and for the first time he appeared to stretch every sinew on his way to victory, finishing a massive 0.52 of a second ahead of his nearest rival, Churandy Martina. Shawn Crawford, the winner in Athens four years ago,was beaten into bronze-medal position.

Now a man who came into these Games as a virtual unknown outside athletics circles will leave them as one of the most celebrated sports stars on the planet.

Men's 200m final result

1 Usain Bolt (Jam) 19.30
2 Churandy Martina (Aho) 19.82
3 Shawn Crawford (USA) 19.96
4 Walter Dix (USA) 19.98,
5 Brian Dzingai (Zim) 20.22
6 Christian Malcolm (Gbr) 20.40
7 Kim Collins (SKN) 20.59

Wallace Spearmon (USA) DQ