Usain Bolt and Jamaica Set New World Record in 4x100

Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, Nesta Carter, and Michael Frater pose with the new world record they set to win gold in the 4x100. (Kerim Okten)

In order to beat Usain Bolt, you have to be extraordinarily good. The U.S. men took one last shot at taking him down in the 4x100 relay. Americans Trell Kimmons, Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay, and Ryan Bailey knew the task set before them was nearly impossible, but they would give it their best shot. Their best shot turned out to be very good. The U.S. time turned out to be 37.04 seconds, which tied the world record prior to the race. The problem was that wasn't good enough.

The Jamaicans were simply extraordinary once again. Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, Yohan Blake, and Usain Bolt ran a near flawless race to set a new world record of 36.84 seconds. While the world record was a team effort, it was one man who made all the difference. The Americans and Jamaicans were virtually tied going into the final exchange. That meant it was down to Bailey and Bolt. It soon became clear that it was all over. Bolt pushed through the finish line effortlessly in the lead.

For Usain Bolt, the world record was simply the icing on the cake of what he hoped to accomplish in London. In Beijing four years ago, he went a perfect three for three in gold medals. This summer Bolt did it again, winning gold in the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100 relay. He now has six gold medals in six Olympic races. Bolt has already declared himself a legend, but doesn't appear to be done just yet.

Due to the Jamaicans world record setting race, the Americans were forced to settle for silver. The Canadians had the third fastest time, but were disqualified for running outside their lane. This meant that Trinidad and Tobago became the bronze medalist. It hasn't just been the Jamaicans beating up on the Americans. The Caribbean islands in general on the rise. The Bahamas ended the United States' run of seven straight Olympic golds in the 4x400 relay. Now, Trinidad and Tobago made it on the medal stand in the 4x100 relay. The Americans better watch out because it isn't just the Jamaicans and them anymore.

Social media and sports talk are ablaze with what will Usain Bolt do in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Can he sweep the golds again? Will he train for and run in the 400m? Is he the greatest athlete ever? Questions abound but for now Bolt has declined to answer. In my opinion, people should simply relish Bolt's accomplishments this summer. The Olympics only come around once every four years. I would prefer to appreciate the accomplishments of a man who did so much to prepare for these races. The bottomline is Usain Bolt is extraordinarily talented and successful.

Manteo Mitchell Breaks Leg But Still Finishes Leg of the Race

Despite breaking his leg half way through his leg, Manteo Mitchell endured the pain in order to complete his leg. (Kirby Lee) 

Running a relay race requires reliance between all members of the competing team. Without one of the runners, the race simply cannot be completed. One of the most important relay races for Team USA is the men's 4x400. After all, the Americans have won gold in the event every year since 1976, expect for the 1980 boycott. That means that Team USA had immense pressure to perform well in this race.

Being up first, American Manteo Mitchell knew that he had to set the pace for the rest of his team. At the 50m mark, his left ankle felt like it was cramping up. As Mitchell reached the 100m mark, his leg began to feel even stranger. Shortly following the 200m mark, he finally heard and felt the bone break. Rather then let his teammates down, Mitchell kept running as best he could. He still finished his leg in 45 seconds and handed the baton off to teammate Josh Mance. The American relay team finished the semifinal race tied for the fastest time with the Bahamas at two minutes and 58.87 seconds.

Mitchell's experience must have been excruciating. He explained what happened to reporters, "As soon as I took the first step past the 200m mark, I felt it break. I heard it. I even put out a little war cry, but the crowd was so loud you couldn't hear it. I wanted to just lie down. It felt like somebody literally just snapped my leg in half." However, Mitchell didn't give into his pain and stop. He pushed himself to complete his leg and get his teammate the baton to keep running.

Doctors confirmed that Mitchell broke his left fibula during the race. Three days prior, he had fallen going up stairs at Olympic Village. Mitchell landed awkwardly, but was cleared to race due to no apparent injuries. The race was obviously too much for the weakened bone. However, the broken bone was not too much to impede Mitchell from finishing. Without Mitchell's valiant efforts, the Americans wouldn't be in the 4x400 final. His courage and determination should be inspirational to us all.