BEIJING, Aug 21 (Reuters): Usain Bolt collected his third Olympic gold medal when he helped Jamaica smash the world record to win the men's 4x100 meters relay on Friday.
Bolt, who won the 100 and 200 finals in world record times, teamed up with Nesta Carter, Michael Frater and Asafa Powell to clock a time of 37.10 seconds, slashing 0.30 off the previous record set by the United States at the 1993 world championships.
But, Jamaica's women sprinters bungled their relay race on Friday to hand gold to Russia and snuff out the Caribbean island's chance of winning all athletic speed events at the Olympics.
Jamaica had won all four individual speed golds in a dominating performance on the track, led by the dazzling Usain 'lightning' Bolt.
Meanwhile, The International Olympic Committee has ordered an investigation into allegations Chinese authorities falsified the age of a double gold medal winning gymnast because she was too young to compete.
There were thrills and spills on the BMX track Friday as the Games' youngest competition ended with golds for France and Latvia, and sweat and tears after a grueling 50km race walk in relentless sun that ended in gold for Italy.
The focus on China's determination to produce a Games its people can be proud of had been eclipsed by sporting triumphs like the eight golds of swimmer Michael Phelps and the double sprint win of exuberant Jamaican Usain Bolt.
Now the concerns over Chinese medal hunger have resurfaced.
China has invested billions in selecting and training its athletes from a young age, an effort rewarded by top spot in the medals table, with 47 golds. China says this has shown it has the sporting prowess to match its rising superpower status.
The US, top of the medals table at the last three Summer Olympics, are badly trailing China, but notched up their 30th gold of the Games on Friday in beach volleyball.
Great Britain is still in third position with 18 gold.
