Rio Olympics 2016: Usain Bolt eases into finals, completes race in 19.79 seconds

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 18: Usain Bolt moved a step closer in his quest for the eighth Olympic gold and his thrid consecutive gold medal in men's 200m category.

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The Jamaican superstar comfortably won his semi-final race clocking 19.79 seconds to move into the finals. Canada's Andre De Grasse finished just behind him whos timing was a Canada national record. Adam Gemili came third.

Bolt, the fastest man on earth had earlier won his qualification match on Thursday clocking a timing of 20.28 seconds. He almost jogged to win the race.

He had mentioned after the race that this category is his favourite and he is looking forward to win his third gold in 200m and 7th overall.

After the race, speaking to BBC, Bolt said: "Andre was supposed to slow down! He didn't. I said what are you doing it is the semis?! He said he had to push me, so whatever.

"I was a bit lazy, I don't know why today, but I executed it.

"I was watching the 100m and when I crossed the line Steve Cram said I am immortal now. I love that."

On Justin Gatlin's performance as he bowed out of the semi-final, Bolt said:"No, seriously? Everybody is in shock, I don't know.

"You can tell from the 100m that he's getting old..."

The final 8 who will be competing in the finals are Usail Bolt, Andre De Grasse, Adam Gemili, LaShawn Merritt, Christophe Lemaitre, Alonso Edward, Ramil Guliyev, Churandy Martina.

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