Breathless, stunned and trying to make sense of it all, spectators who watched Usain Bolt win the Olympic men’s 100m final said seeing it live was a mind-blowing experience.

“It was really amazing to be there,” said Alex, an 18-year-old consultant, as he left the Olympic Stadium last night.

“The sensation when the crowd all went quiet before the start was amazing. I was nervous just watching it. Tingles down the spine. My hair was standing on end. It was unlike anything else.

“I’m a Londoner, it’s great to have the Olympics here. It feels like we’re hosting the best party in the world,” he said.

Paul Parisi, 25, a broker from New Jersey wearing the stars and stripes, said: “It was awesome. I’ve never seen anything like it.

“I was right by the start line. I’ve never been more excited. All the energy from everybody, you could really feel it. Absolutely incredible.”

Jamaican sprinter Rosemarie Whyte, who earlier finished eighth in the Olympic women’s 400m final, was thrilled by her training partner Bolt winning gold and compatriot Yohan Blake taking the silver.

“At the start we were all nervous but we got a one-two in the hundred. It’s awesome. Great!” she said.

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