Full coverage: 2016 Rio Olympics

Day 12 of the Rio Games saw plenty of attention on track and field, as Usain Bolt continued his quest for a third consecutive triple gold performance.

The Jamaican superstar has already prevailed in the 100 meters, but before the Olympics, he said he is even more focussed on the 200 meters, and he had a chance to show his legendary speed once again in the semifinals.

Usain Bolt of Jamaica shows the gold medal at the awarding ceremony of men's 100m at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 15, 2016. Usain Bolt won the gold medal. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

Bolt was the definitely the focus on the track, and the 100-meter champion did not let down the crowd. He consolidated the lead heading into the final 100 meters, before easing up to the win the heat, advancing to Thursday’s final. But he will not be challenged by Justin Gatlin, who failed to qualify from the other heat.

Kenyan pips USA’s Evan Jager on final lap to take distance race

The day’s earliest gold medal in athletics came in the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, and was won by Conseslus Kipruto. The Kenyan runner overtook Evan Jager of the USA on the brink of the final lap. Jager settled for silver.

Kenya's Conseslus Kipruto celebrates after the men's 3000m steeplechase final at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 17, 2016. Conseslus Kipruto won the gold medal. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)

USA teammate & defending champ Brittany Reese settles for silver

In the women’s long jump, USA athletes took the top two places. Tianna Bartoletta leapt a personal best of 7.17 meters to win gold. Her American teammate and defending Olympic champion Brittney Reese took silver. 

Jamaican wins sprint double after also claiming 100 meter title

In the women’s 200 meter final, Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson proved fastest, as she crossed the line first in a time of 21.78 seconds. World champ Daphne Schippers of the Netherlands settled for silver.