Full coverage: 2016 Rio Olympics

The 100 meters race has belonged to the incomparable Usian Bolt the last eight years. The world’s fastest man taking the titles at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics. The Jamaican would once again take center stage, as he set his sights on an unprecedented treble, trying to win the 100, 200, and 4-x100 meter relay golds at three successive Games.

Usain Bolt of Jamaica celebrates after the final of men's 100m at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 14, 2016. Usain Bolt won the gold medal with 9.81. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

Bolt got off to a good start and roared into Olympic history, capturing an unprecedented third consecutive 100m crown to confirm his place as one of the greatest ever Olympians. The Jamaican powered over the line in 9.81 seconds, vanquishing American rival Justin Gatlin, who took silver, with Andre De Grasse of Canada claiming bronze.

South African breaks world record running 43.03 seconds

In the men’s 400 meters, Wayde van Niekerk blasted down the final straight away to win gold, smashing the world record. The South African running a time of 43.03 seconds. 15-one-hundredths faster than Michael Johnson’s 1999 mark. Defending champion Kirani James of Grenada took silver, with 2008 champ American Lashawn Merritt getting bronze.

Bahrain's Kirwa takes silver • Dibaba of Ethiopia claims bronze

In the women’s marathon, Jemima Sumgong , winner of this year’s London marathon, finished the long-distance event in 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 4 seconds to give Kenya its first-ever women’s marathon gold. Eunice Kirwa of Bahrain took silver, just the country’s second ever medal. Meanwhile, defending world champion Mare Dibaba of Ethiopia took bronze.

Venezuela's Rojas takes silver • Kazakhstan's Rypakova gets bronze

In women’s triple Jump, Colombian Caterine Ibarguen earned gold with a length of 15.17 meters, Yulimar Rojas of Venezuela took silver while Olga Rypakova from Kazakhstan won bronze.