 "Usain Bolt misses out on perfect send-off: Twitterati heartbroken but celebrate the legend")
Day 2 of the IAAF World Athletics Championships 2017 was supposed to be remembered for Usain Bolt’s last hurrah on the track. Everyone waited for the ‘fastest man on the planet’ to sign off his final individual race in his trademark style. However, the competition in the Championships was tough and the semi-final showed chinks in Bolt’s armour. [caption id=“attachment_3899061” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Justin Gatlin bows to Usain Bolt after stealing the thunder in 100m final in London. Reuters[/caption] Bolt had always managed to revel in a challenge and nothing else was expected from him this time either. But, fate had other plans as Bolt was defeated in the 100 metres event, losing to Americans Justin Gatlin and Christian Coleman to finish with a bronze. Though he came third in the race, Bolt received the maximum cheers from a capacity crowd who rallied behind the athlete to give him the near-perfect send-off he deserved. Gatlin’s victory was left unheralded especially considering his involvement in doping scandals. Though the image of Gatlin bowing to Usain Bolt after the race showed the sporting spirit in the 35-year-old American runner, his victory was sidelined by one of the biggest upsets in track and field history. The race received a lot of attention and Twitterati poured out their reactions over the heart-breaking loss and reminded Justin Gatlin of his checkered past.
Congratulations to the legend & honorary Londoner, @usainbolt on a fantastic career. You will always be the greatest! #Bolt #London2017 pic.twitter.com/QAMVS8Vnxs
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) August 5, 2017
So even the mighty are mortal. #UsainBolt can finish with someone in front of him! Right time to finish then. Goodbye to the greatest.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 6, 2017
You made millions of fans happy and smiling, being an example for everyone: thank you @usainbolt ! #bolt #London2017 🇯🇲 pic.twitter.com/DujTlRtFzN
— Paulo Dybala (@PauDybala_JR) August 5, 2017
#BOLT IS ALWAYS A LEGEND 👍 pic.twitter.com/30cwJWg3KA
— Max Whitlock OBE (@maxwhitlock1) August 5, 2017
Impact Shorts
More ShortsNo one saw that happening no one wanted that to happen #Gatlin
— Kelly Sotherton MBE (@KellySotherton) August 5, 2017
While Usain Bolt was being celebrated unequivocally, Twitterati slammed the 100 metres winner Gatlin
Statistically of course there is a strong possibility that Coleman will be upgraded to gold & Bolt to silver #gatlin #drugbans #london2017
— Karen Pickering MBE OLY (@Karen_Pickering) August 5, 2017
Leaves a sour taste in the mouth but #Bolt won't be remembered for tonight. Total game changer. #legend
— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) August 5, 2017
Gatlin did have his share of supporters who believed his past has got nothing to do with his performance in Saturday’s race
When the World Boos you...
— Kelechi Nkoro(Don Kelenioni) (@K1Says) August 5, 2017
You Give them a "Justin Gatlin"
You run your race and win it... pic.twitter.com/TAyjYxYpv2
This record showed what Bolt meant to athletics
Irrespective of how the curtains were drawn on his illustrious career, Bolt will always be the GOAT.
@usainbolt thank u for all the adrenaline speed and inspiration.
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 5, 2017
