Olympics: Photos of the day

Usain Bolt celebrates as he crosses the finish line to claim the 100m crown. Photo: Reuters
Usain Bolt celebrates as he crosses the finish line to claim the 100m crown. Photo: Reuters
Simone Biles competes during her gold medal performance in the women's vault. Photo: Reuters
Simone Biles competes during her gold medal performance in the women's vault. Photo: Reuters
Genzebe Dibaba leads on her way to winning her heat in the 1500m, confirming herself as the...
Genzebe Dibaba leads on her way to winning her heat in the 1500m, confirming herself as the favourite for the event. Photo: Reuters
Wayde van Niekerk crosses the finish line after breaking Michael Johnson's 400m world record,...
Wayde van Niekerk crosses the finish line after breaking Michael Johnson's 400m world record, setting the new mark at 43.03. Photo: Reuters
Andy Murray and Juan Martin Del Potro after the men's tennis gold medal match. Photo: Reuters
Andy Murray and Juan Martin Del Potro after the men's tennis gold medal match. Photo: Reuters
Usain Bolt celebrates winning the 100m gold medal for the third time. Photo; Reuters
Usain Bolt celebrates winning the 100m gold medal for the third time. Photo; Reuters
Justin Rose celebrates after claiming gold in men's golf. Photo: Reuters
Justin Rose celebrates after claiming gold in men's golf. Photo: Reuters
Usain Bolt cruised through his 100m semifinal in 9.86. He is trailed by eventual bronze medallist...
Usain Bolt cruised through his 100m semifinal in 9.86. He is trailed by eventual bronze medallist Andre de Grasse, who ran 9.92. Photo: Reuters

It has been an historic day at the Rio Olympics with memorable performances in the men's 100m and 400m finals.

Usain Bolt was the star of the show, reeling in Justin Gatlin after a slow start to claim his third straight 100m gold medal in 9.81.

Earlier Wayde van Niekerk ran 43.03 to smash Michael Johnson's 17-year-old 400m world record by 0.15s, winning gold in the process.

It was not such a good day New Zealand however. After leading 2-0 in the men's hockey, the Black Sticks went down 3-2, letting in two goals in the final minute to fall to Germany in their quarterfinal.

Defending champions Jo Aleh and Polly Powrie were disqualified from a second race at these Games and slipped to seventh in the 49er class sailing.

Brit Andy Murray held off Juan Martin Del Potro to win the tennis crown, while Justin Rose claimed gold in the golf.

In men's basketball further cracks appeared in the heavily favoured USA team, claiming another shaky win, this time over France by three points.

Gymnast Simone Biles claimed her third gold medal of the Games in the women's vault.

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