Usain Bolt of Jamaica celebrates winning the gold medal, Aug 14, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Usain Bolt stormed to victory in the 100m final at the Rio Olympics on Sunday, becoming the first man to win the blue riband event three times in a row.

The 29-year-old Jamaican clocked 9.81 seconds, beating rival Justin Gatlin of the United States by eight hundredths of a second at the Olympic Stadium. Canada's Andre de Grasse took bronze in 9.91.

Bolt's fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake was fourth in 9.93 and Akani Simbine was fifth in 9.94.

It was the seventh Olympic gold medal of Bolt's career as he confirmed his status as the greatest sprinter in history.