The race had promised to be a showdown between the Jamaicans and the Americanswhich is exactly what it turned out to be. The US had the better time in their preliminary heat and came in ready to win.

The first half was close until Jamaica’s Yohan Blake, the 100 and 200 meter silver medalist, gained a lead over Tyson Gay of the US. He handed the baton over to Bolt who ran an amazing 9.22 anchor leg to finish the relay at 36.85 seconds: a new world record.

The U.S. team earned a silver medal with their 37.04 time; Trinidad and Tobago took the bronze in 38.12. Canada would have been third had they not been disqualified for stepping on the line

After the race had ended, a female official attempted to retrieve the baton from Bolt who playfully refused – see picture in slideshow. It didn’t take long for more British officials to congregate and successfully get the baton back from the sprinter.

The spectators verbally showed their disapproval of removing the baton. Apparently, the Olympic officials had second thoughts (or listened to their hearts) and returned the baton to the superstar.

Usain Bolt photos, Jamaica relay gold, US silver,Canada disqualified.

I got the baton back but at the start he was saying I couldn’t keep it because it’s the rule, Bolt confessed. It was kind of weird because he actually told me that if I didn’t give it back I would be disqualified so I just gave it back to him, he laughed. I took a picture with the guys, and I am going to frame the picture and put the baton below it – just something to remind me of London.

One can’t help but wonder what that baton would go for on eBay?