Usain Bolt says he will only achieve "immortal" status as an Olympian if he completes the 'triple-triple' in Rio.
The Jamaican sprint sensation became the first man to win three 100-meter gold medals as he blew away the competition to win Sunday's final in a time of 9.81 seconds, with American rival Justin Gatlin a relatively distant second (9.89).
Bolt will now switch his focus to the 200 meter and 4x100 relay as he attempts to win three golds for the third successive Games, an achievement he says will define his legendary career.
"Somebody said I can become immortal. Two more medals to go and I can sign off — immortal," said Bolt, who insists this Olympics will be his last. "It was brilliant. I didn't go so fast but I'm so happy I won. I told you guys I was going to do it."
Bolt's time was the fastest he has run in the 100 meter in 2016, but he feels he could have gone quicker had the turnaround from the semifinals not been so swift.
"After the semifinals I felt extremely good and, as I said, I wanted to run faster," he told BBC Sport. "But just the turnaround time they gave us, normally we get two hours to two hours 20 minutes, [but] we got like an hour and 20 minutes. So as soon as we got around I didn't get any time to rest, put my feet up and get the lactic [acid] out.
"We had to come right back out. It's challenging but it's what we train for."
While Bolt was given a hero's reception on his way to the start line, there were noticeable jeers for the controversial Gatlin, who has twice been suspended for doping violations.
"I was surprised. It's the first time I ever came into a stadium and they actually booed somebody, so for me it was shocking," Bolt added. "But for me I didn't care about that. I'm here to perform and do what I have to do and that's what I did, I came out and did what I have to do."
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