London 2012: the 200m Olympic final - in pictures

After claiming the 100m crown on Sunday night, Usain Bolt was back in action in his preferred event, the 200m
Photograph: Antonio Zazueta Olmos for the Guardian

Bolt, the reigning Olympic champion started in lane seven, with his training partner, compatriot and most testing rival Yohan Blake inside him in lane four Photograph: ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images

Bolt made the superior start, catching another Jamaican, Warren Weir, within a matter of strides Photograph: DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/Getty Images

He flew past Weir before the bend was even through. Blake also caught and passed Charundy Martina of Netherlands Photograph: JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images

It was a two-man race down the home straight with Bolt in charge Photograph: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images

Bolt was running all the way to the line, for once … But in the closing metres Blake looked to be catching his elder rival Photograph: GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images

There was no catching him, however, and Bolt crossed the line first in 19.32 seconds, just shy of his 200m olympic record Photograph: JORGE SILVA/REUTERS

His critics have been silenced once more with another electrifying run
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

No world records at this year's Olympics, but still every reason to shout about his performances
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

And with Blake in second and Weir in third - making it a Jamaican 1, 2, 3 - it was a joyous night for his nation
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Bolt's celebrations were wild and comical - one minute he was doing press-ups, the next taking photos of the crowd
Photograph: Antonio Zazueta Olmos for the Guardian

He received his medal later in the evening - it's his fifth Olympic gold
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian