Rio Olympics 2016: Usain Bolt’s hilarious photo mid-way through semi-final before winning 100m gold sparks brilliant memes
Internet goes into meltdown as Jamaican ace appears to relax for camera pose as competitors pour blood, sweat and tears
THE fastest man in the world has just become even more popular thanks to this incredible picture.
Usain Bolt claimed his third consecutive Olympic gold in the men’s 100m sprint, pipping American Justin Gatlin by 0.08.
But while the rest of the field looked like they might burst a blood vessel during a fiercely competitive semi-final, Bolt was sensationally snapped seemingly posing and grinning for the camera.
And while the athlete was clearly just looking to see where his competitors were, the brilliant shot quickly went viral around the world.
Bolt’s cheeky grin spawned dozens of hilarious memes, while others were simply perplexed by his calm persona on the world’s biggest stage.
Tennis ace Victoria Azarenka tweeted: “Who can catch this guy? Maybe The Flash?”
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One used wrote: “Homie is fighting for his life and Bolt is posing for photos mid-race.”
Another said: “Just like the Roadrunner taunting Wile E. Coyote.”
While another mused: “Bolt stops, takes a selfie, then continues to win the race.”
And Getty Images photographer Cameron Spencer, who took the incredible shot, opened up on how Bolt helped him to create one of the Olympics' most memorable moments.
He said: "Bolt is an entertainer and he surprises me every time that he goes on the track. I've been shooting him for three Olympics and two World Championships and every time he simply loves entertaining the crowd.
"When shooting the world's fastest man you always need to be on your toes and ready. Last night, when he flew part me with perfect technique and his huge stride, he looked back and smiled. I only had a moment to capture this epic Olympic moment, but I was in the right place, ready.
"I decided to take a risk and shoot a pan at a slow shutter speed, knowing he would coast past his competitors around the 70m mark.
"He makes it look easy, almost playing with his competitors. Bolt is so confident and such an elite athlete, shooting him is an amazing experience."