Jamaica sweeps the sprint golds in Beijing

By Sean Maguire

BEIJING (Reuters) - Jamaica made a clean sweep of Olympic sprint golds on Thursday with victory in the women's 200 meters humbling the United States, the traditional track and field superpower.

The Americans had a nightmare night with both the women and men dropping their batons during the heats of the 4x100 meters relay to crash out. They also lost the final of women's softball, the first time they have failed to win gold in that event.

The Caribbean island's Veronica Campbell-Brown powered to gold in the 200m, taking a meter's lead by the halfway mark.

The 2004 winner's face was creased with pain but broke into a broad grin at the finish, where she dropped to her knees for a prayer.

American world champion Allyson Felix came second and 100 meters silver medalist Kerron Stewart of Jamaica was third.

The victory will bring more rejoicing to an island already exultant over the two world records and double sprint gold of Usain "Lightning" Bolt. His jaw-dropping speed has brought superlatives pouring forth from media and commentators.

Jamaica also won the women's 100 meters.

"The Americans have dominated (in the past), but this Olympics has been a Jamaican Olympics," said Stewart.

Bolt, 22 on Thursday, collected his second gold in a rain-soaked ceremony in the Bird's Nest stadium and gave his signature lightning bolt gesture for the cameras.

The head of the International Olympic Committee has questioned the Jamaican's sportsmanship, taking exception to his exuberant celebration of his 100 meters win on Saturday when he pounded his chest even before crossing the finish line.

"I think he should show more respect, shake hands, give a tap on the shoulder to the other ones. Not making gestures like the one he made," Jacques Rogge said. "He still has to mature."

Jamaican coach and former sprinter Don Quarrie defended Bolt, saying his celebrations were just youthful high spirits, from a man who is "playful, funny, happy".

LITTLE CONSOLATION

The United States have won a major sprint medal at every Games since 1984 and this year's collection of silvers and bronzes will be little consolation.

The failure in the relays, an unexpected loss in the final of the women's water polo to the Netherlands and defeat to Japan in the softball will be salt in the wounds for the Americans.  Continued...