In Sunday’s 100-meter final at the world track and field championships, American Justin Gatlin had a slight stumble at the 80-meter mark, giving Usain Bolt the slight window he needed to cross the line ahead of him by just .01 seconds. Gatlin’s challenge seemed to portend a tight 200 with Bolt, the world-record holder and a man who hasn’t lost the race in the last five worlds or the Olympics.

“Seemed” was the operative word. Though Gatlin got off to a quick start on Thursday night in Beijing and looked like he might challenge Bolt off the turn, the Jamaican hit his stride at the top of the homestretch, leaving Gatlin in so much dust that he was able to shut down at about the 160-meter mark and jog across the finish line in 19.55. It was another stunning performance for the most electrifying athlete in the world.

(EPA)

“No doubt and no contest,” Ato Bolden said after the race on Universal Sports’ coverage.

As if there ever is.