Usain Bolt of Jamaica wins the men's 100m Olympic title in a new world record time of 9.69secs. AFP PHOTO

Jamaicans all over the world celebrated as Usain Bolt won the men's 100 metres Olympic title on Saturday in a new world record time of 9.69 seconds.

The 21-year-old became the first Jamaican to win the Olympic 100m crown beating Richard Thompson of Trinidad and Tobago (9.89secs) while Walter Dix of the United States was third in a time of 9.91 secs.

Fellow Jamaican and former world record holder Asafa Powell came fifth as six of the eight finalists finished under 10 seconds, a record for the Olympic final, which also equalled the 1991 world final in Tokyo when six men also finished under 10 seconds.

Bolt beat Don Quarrie's silver medal from the 1976 Olympics, but in the first part of the race he was lead by Richard Thompson and once Bolt got into his stride and he flew clear away from the field.

"I felt the world record earlier on," Bolt told the BBC. "I came here just to win and I did just that. I didn't even know I'd broken the world record until I did my victory lap.

"Now I'm just concentrating on my two races coming up. I came here prepared and I'm going to try and do it the (100 and 200m double)."

Behind him Thompson showed the same impressive form the 23-year-old had displayed during the earlier heats to hold on to second.

Meanwhile Dix, also an Olympic debutant, came on strong in the final metres to overhaul Powell, who lost out on fourth place to surprise package Churandy Martina of the Netherlands Antilles.

Powell admitted he had run out of steam.

"My legs died on me. I'm not sure what happened. I'm happy for Usain. I really wanted to get that gold medal. I wasn't ready for the big stage yet," he said.

World champion Tyson Gay, out of action for just over a month after suffering a hamstring injury before the Olympics, exited in the semi-finals earlier on Saturday, when he finished fifth.

At home and all over the world Jamaicans sent congratulatory messages to Bolt. Delegates in the United Kingdom that attended the Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Jamaica brought their meeting to an immediate end to witness the event live. Members of the Jamaican community in the United Kingdom felt such pride and sheer joy and happiness in seeing Bolt achieve such a wonderful feat.

Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports Hon. Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange described world record performance by Usain as phenomenal and declared that the sprinter had ignited the passions of the Jamaican people by delivering the elusive gong.

Of former world record holder, Asafa Powell, the Minister said:

“I know you are disappointed but you have done Jamaica proud over the years and we will always salute you. It is never easy when you don’t meet your own expectations but we are still solidly behind you because you have proven yourself
time and again.”

Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding has promised a massive welcome home celebration for Jamaica’s first gold medalist. The Prime Minister said:

"It’s a wonderful day for Jamaica and you have done us proud. It was a stunning performance and we are so proud of you’, Mr. Golding told Usain Bolt in a telephone conversation just minutes after his victory in the 100m race.

"The games are not yet over and we expect a lot more from the team in the days ahead but I can assure you that we are planning a massive welcome home party for all of you", Mr. Golding added.