Any doubts about the invincibility of Usain ’Lightning’ Bolt in the 100 metres dash were quickly laid to rest at the Olympic Stadium, here in Berlin, Germany, yesterday.

The World Championship final had been billed as a two-man race between Bolt and American Tyson Gay.

But it took just 9.58 seconds to halt speculation that Gay could challenge the Jamaican sensation in the sport’s marquee event.

Bolt’s world record run kept Gay at a safe distance. The American, though, had the satisfaction of establishing a new national record, his 9.71 securing silver.

Jamaica’s Asafa Powell claimed bronze in 9.84.

Bolt had established the previous world record of 9.69 seconds in his golden run at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Following yesterday’s final, the 22-year-old Jamaican said he did not expect to slice such a big chunk off his record.

’But for me, anything is possible.’ We’ve heard this clichéd statement before.

But when it comes from the lips of Usain Bolt, it must be taken seriously.

Trinidad and Tobago sprint star Richard Thompson got out quickly in the final, and motored to the line in 9.93 seconds, his fastest time this season earning the ’Torpedo’ fifth spot.

The Olympic 100m silver medalist told the Express he was pleased with the run.

’No medal, but definitely a satisfactory performance for me.’ Thompson also paid tribute to Bolt.

’He’s doing so much for track and field. When Usain steps on the track there’s a high possibility of a record being broken.’

Asked about reeling in the tall Jamaican in the future, a laughing Thompson said he would probably require ’some wheels’.

Another T&T sprinter, Marc Burns, finished seventh in the final in 10.00 seconds.

Afterwards, he explained that he was hampered in the championship race by a muscle cramp.

’After the semi, I had major cramp in my hamstring. As I started to get in my rhythm (in the final), I felt it and that cost me a couple positions.

’Great race by the other guys,’ the three-time World Championship 100m finalist continued. ’Excellent race by Usain. He’s a very, very hard sprinter to beat at this time.’

Bolt gave a sign of things to come with a 9.89 seconds cruise in the first semi-final heat.

Antiguan Daniel Bailey was second in 9.96, finishing just ahead of American Darvis Patton (9.98). Burns was fourth in 10.01.

In the second semi-final, Gay (9.93) and Powell (9.95) were first and second, respectively, with Thompson third in 9.98, his first sub-10 run this season.

Great Britain’s Dwain Chambers was fourth to the line in 10.04.

Thompson’s preparations for the 2009 season were set back by injuries he sustained in a vehicular accident in Trinidad and Tobago on January 1.

’It’s been a rough season for me. I faced a lot of criticism this year and I guess the criticism was deserving because after Beijing (Olympics) last year, the country hyped me up so much, gave me so many rewards. I guess the general public wanted to see me perform better. I owe them an apology based on the earlier part of my season.

’But I did make a promise that I would have it together for the World Championships, and I brought it together. I just want to give God thanks and praise because we all know that after the accident it was a lot for me to overcome.’’