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18th Aug 2016

Usain Bolt and Andre DeGrasse couldn’t stop grinning at each other after qualifying for the 200m final

Bromance

Simon Lloyd

Much to the surprise of nobody, Usain Bolt booked his spot in the Olympic 200m final over night, clocking his fastest time of the season in the process.

The Jamaican, who has already retained the 100m Olympic title he’s owned since Beijing in 2008, ran his semi-final in 19.78 seconds.

Although this was his best time of the season so far, once again there was a sense amongst viewers that Bolt was perhaps holding something back. Clearly, it wasn’t quite as straightforward as his 200m heat, which he won despite easing off after establishing a healthy lead on the bend, but the fact he had time to exchange grins with Canada’s Andre DeGrasse as he crossed the line suggested to some that he was still operating well within his comfort zone.

Athletics - Olympics: Day 12

Those that were awake / in a more suitable time zone to watch it particularly enjoyed it, with many commenting on the bromance between Bolt and his Canadian rival.

https://twitter.com/domjoly/status/766090242583592960

Bolt and DeGrasse will now compete in Thursday’s final – a final that a couple of Bolt’s former rivals missed out on.

American Justin Gatlin, a silver medallist in the 100m final, only finished third in his semi-final with a time of 20.13 seconds. Also missing out on the final will be Bolt’s countryman, Yohan Blake, who won a silver in the 200m at the London Games four years ago. Having battled injury throughout recent years, Blake’s time of 20.37 seconds wasn’t enough to earn a spot in the final.

Unlike Gatlin and Blake, Britain’s Adam Gamili will be joining Bolt in the final. The 22-year-old qualified as one of two fastest losers.

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