Blistering Bolt shatters world record to clinch gold

 SPRINT king Usain Bolt blazed a trail of destruction through the Olympiastadion to capture world 100m gold in a new world record time of 9.58 seconds.

 BREATH-TAKING: Usain Bolt takes a huge chunk off his world record as he claims 100m gold at World Championships

The Jamaican - already a three-time Olympic champion - expunged all doubt as to who is the fastest man on earth as he blitzed across the finishing line, a full 0.11 secs faster than the world record he set in Beijing.

Tyson Gay collected silver in 9.71 secs - a new American record - and Asafa Powell grabbed bronze in 9.84 - but neither could live with the devastating Bolt.

Upon crossing the line Bolt showed no signs on slowing down, insisting on revelling in the spotlight - he's becoming a past master at saving his best performances for the biggest stage.

He has been the main draw to these World Championships and he did not disappoint. Just as they had done so 73 years ago, to marvel at Jesse Owens, every man, woman and child held their breath.

But despite tearing up the history books for the second successive summer, Bolt took it all in his ever so explosive stride.

"I was ready and was feeling good after the semi finals. And I knew it was going to be a great race," said Bolt.

"After the semis I knew all I had to do was come out here and execute and that's what I did.

"It was a great time and I feel good about that but I always knew it could be done.

"There was a big build up to the race between me and Tyson and he is a great athlete so I really appreciated when he congratulated me.

"And I always knew it would be a tough race. But I knew my start was firing and that was the only thing that could hold me back."

Upon crossing the line Bolt thrust his arms out, mimicking an aeroplane, and set off on a lap of honour in fast forward.

But the Jamaican showman, who is seemingly single-handedly dragging athletics back into mainstream sport, insists his celebrations will be short-lived.

"I still have the 200m left so there'll be no partying for me," he added.

"But I said that I would come here and do what I have done and I didn't disappoint.

"Beijing was a surprise for me but this year I've worked even harder to do better. So I'm feeling great about myself right now."

After a performance like that, few could blame him.

Read Sportsbeat's James Toney on an athlete who transcends his sport - and all Bolt's comment from his post-race press conference