LONDON (AFP) – Jamaica’s Usain Bolt sealed the legendary status he so craves after sprinting to a convincing victory in the men’s Olympic 100m to retain his title on Sunday.

The 25-year-old world record holder turned on the after-burners at 60m to clock an Olympic record of 9.63sec, the second fastest time in history.

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt (L) crosses the line to win the men’s 100m final at the athletics event during the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 5, 2012 in London. AFP PHOTO

Jamaican compatriot and training partner Yohan Blake, long tipped as Bolt’s successor as the fastest man in the world, claimed silver after equalling his personal best of 9.75sec.

American 2004 Olympic gold medallist Justin Gatlin completed his remarkable comeback from a four-year doping ban by taking the bronze medal in a personal best of 9.79sec.