London: Allyson Felix won her 16th world career medal on Sunday, producing as she has on some many occasions before a blistering run to help the United States to gold in the 4x400m relay.
Felix ran an outstanding second lap, clocked at a startling 48.7sec, as the quartet, also comprising Quanera Hayes, Shakima Wimbley and newly-crowned 400m champion Phyllis Francis, timed 3min 19.02.
Britain, in 3:25.00, held off Poland (3:25.41) for silver.
However, not for the first time, but certainly the last as an athlete, Usain Bolt stole the show.
Retiring superstar Bolt put on one last appearance, the 100m and 200m world record-holder accorded a lap of honour in front of the 60,000 spectators who stayed on after the finals were over.
“It’s been a rough couple of days, and this is a very emotional moment for me,” said the 30-year-old Jamaican referring to his dramatic collapsing to the track with cramp in the anchor leg of the 4x100m relay final 24 hours earlier.
“I always tried my best and gave 100 per cent all the time and above all put on a good show.”
Bolt then went on a lap of honour to the tune of “Reggae Nights” raising his arms and applauding the crowd, embracing his parents on the track and then finishing with a final flourish of his trademark ‘lightning bolt’ stance not once but twice.
Jamaica’s sprinting woes continued as their foursome failed to make it around after Anneisha McLaughlin-Whilby pulled up on the second leg and had to be taken off the track in a wheelchair.
Felix’s gold in the shorter relay on Saturday saw her overtake Jamaicans Merlene Ottey and Bolt as the record world medal holder.
The 31-year-old also won a bronze in the 400m and of her 16 world medals, 11 have been gold, while nine in total were won as part of the US relay team and seven individually.
Felix has also bagged an incredible nine Olympic medals including six gold.
“It does mean so much to me every time,” Felix said when asked whether medals motivated her.
“I love this sport. I’m grateful to run with these amazing girls. They work so hard and deserve all their success.
“It’s an honour to run in the relay for Team USA and I will always treasure these moments.”
Felix kicked off her incredible medal haul with a 200m silver medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, her first global gold coming in the 200m at the Helsinki world champs a year later.
