Usain Bolt grabbed another slice of history with victory in the men’s 200m sprint at the Olympic Games on Friday (AEST), before announcing that he needs “to get out of the sport”.

The Jamaican speedster — who became the first man to win the 100m at three Games in a row on Monday — claimed the same record over the longer distance after charging to victory in 19.79 seconds.

Relive the race below

https://twitter.com/7olympics/status/766449919926284288

Canadian Andre De Grasse (20.02secs) loomed as the major threat to Bolt and ran well to claim a silver medal.

France’s Christophe Lemaitre (20.12secs) was next best and claimed a bronze medal, just ahead of Great Britain’s Adem Gemili.

When asked if he felt a tinge of sadness about the fact it was likely his last individual Olympic run, Bolt told the Seven Network: “The sadness for me would be that it is actually a slower time [than the semi-final, which Bolt won in 19.78 seconds].

“I really wanted to run faster but I came out here to win and that is the first thing. I am happy about that.

“I can’t do any more. I have proven to the world over and over again that I am the greatest. That is all I can do.”

The sprinter then acknowledged he is “getting older” and “slowing down”.

“I need to get out of the sport,” he added.

Bolt now will attempt to complete a remarkable treble of winning the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at three successive Games on Saturday morning.

Bolt, who turns 30 on Sunday, headed into the final full of confidence after running the fastest time in Thursday’s semi-finals.

His 19.78 seconds had a caveat on it, too, given he was regularly looking back at Canadian Andre De Grasse, who ran just two-hundredths of a second slower.

And even though he ran slower in the decider, Bolt’s victory never looked in doubt thanks to a blistering start.

The Jamaican, running from lane six, charged out of the blocks and it did not take him long to take the race lead.

The crowd roared as Bolt surged to the finish line, and while De Grasse and Lemaitre made some late ground, they were never a real chance to claim an upset triumph.

Bolt was quizzed by Seven about what he was most proud of following the race.

He added: “Just coming back from injury [he suffered a hamstring injury earlier this year] – you know what I mean?

“Staying focused and getting it done.

“That has been the hardest part and I have got it done so I am proud of myself.

“I keep telling these young ones [runners], ‘I will never let you guys beat me, never, it is not going to happen’.”