Usain Bolt overcame the odds and adversities as he ruled the 100-meter final at the World Championship in Moscow, Russia.
Bothered by a hurting leg and challenged by the pouring rain, Bolt had a slow start but picked up his pace in the final 30 meters of the race, winning the 100-meter gold in 9.77 seconds.
The Jamaican superstar sprinter trailed Justin Gatlin in the race before overtaking the American in the final 30 meters en route to the victory that avenged his painful defeat two years ago. Bolt, who did not crack his usual smile after crossing the finish line, regained the world title he lost when he false-started in the finals two years ago.
"It's always great to get back your title. I'm happy with myself I got it done," said Bolt in an interview with The Associated Press.
Bolt told reporters afterwards that he was badly bothered by his leg he hurt in the semifinals and he is hoping that the injury will not affect his chances of winning the gold in the 200-meter race.
"I wanted to run faster, but after the semifinals my legs didn't feel up to it. Don't know what happened. I'm going to get it worked on. Hopefully I won't have this problem in the 200 meters. Overall, it was a good race," Bolt said.
The 26-year-old Jamaican won the title in a race where his usual rivals were not present. American Tyson Gay missed the event for his doping offense, while fellow Jamaican track star Yohan Blake failed to defend his title due to an injured hamstring.
When asked about the doping scandal that recently hit the sport, Bolt said that he was glad that he was able to show how to win cleanly. He said: "I'm just doing my part by running fast, winning titles and letting the world know you can do it clean. My focus is to continue doing what I do."
Gatlin, who defeated Bolt in Rome two months ago, took the silver medal, while Jamaican Nesta Carter bagged the bronze.