Rio de Janeiro, Aug 15 (IANS): Star Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt wrote his name in the history books, winning his third consecutive Olympic title in the men's 100 metre event at the Rio Games here.

The multiple Olympic champion powered to victory in 9.81 seconds here on Sunday. 

It was however, one of the tightest races that Bolt has run during his legendary career.

American star Justin Gatlin -- Bolt's biggest rival in the competition -- was the leader until the closing stages before the Jamaican started to pull away, and had to settle for the silver with an impressive 9.84 seconds. 

Andre de Grasse of Canada took bronze with a time of 9.91 seconds.

Sunday's result saw Bolt win his third successive Olympic gold in the iconic men's 100m event following his triumphs at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 Games in London. 

It also cemented his status as one of the greatest sportsmen the world has ever seen.

This is also the first step towards Bolt's target of repeating his 100m, 200m and 4x100m victories at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Games.