World Athletics Championships | 'Greatest athlete ever': Twitter salutes Usain Bolt after heartbreaking swansong

'Oh no' echoed across the globe as Usain Bolt's final race at the world championships ended in him getting injured and hobbling on the track, whimpering in agony.  The 4x100m relay witnessed the disaster, as Bolt crumpled on the race track clutching his leg in visible pain and tears. 

Bolt took the baton for Jamaica in third place but within a few strides he was on the ground, clutching his left leg, as host Britain secured gold ahead of the United States team which had Justin Gatlin. 

Bolt, who came third in the individual 100m behind Gatlin and his fellow teammate Christian Coleman, was comforted by his teammates after getting to his feet, his face marked with pain. Nevertheless, Twitter was filled with praises and cheerful messages for Bolt, as they hailed him for being a legend on track.

Here are some Twitter reactions after Bolt's swansong:

Disaster strikes #UsainBolt #GOAT in the last race of his life. Limps out injured in the 4x100. Salute to the lightning greatness @usainbolt

— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) August 12, 2017

Thank you for everything you have done for the sport, us athletes and especially our country!
We salute you Legend! @usainbolt pic.twitter.com/kf6Q3xLkoy

— Omar MrSilk McLeod (@Warrior_omz) August 12, 2017

As the shock of his final race fades away, you will remember @usainbolt as the greatest sprinter of our times.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 13, 2017

In honour of @usainbolt can we be extra Jamaican this week? Get extra curry gravy, walk with extra attitude and wear the brightest colours?

— Cevan  (@cevancoore) August 12, 2017

Incredible end to an incredible career.
Thank you @usainbolt - the greatest athlete of them all.  pic.twitter.com/8pcEdJCkqH

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 12, 2017

After a decade of emotions&records, I will remember @usainbolt smiling with Gold. Thanks for what u brought to sport. Eternal respect  pic.twitter.com/SDwI5jrYrl

— Tony ESTANGUET (@TonyESTANGUET) August 12, 2017

I'm British and I'm not even bothered that we won - what an awful end to the greatest career in athletics of all time #UsainBolt pic.twitter.com/F8JDE94vN6

— Aussie_ThePom (@Aussie_ThePom) August 12, 2017

That is not the way #UsainBolt deserved to end his career. Heartbreaking. Totally utterly heartbreaking

— Sian Rodgers (@sianrodgers) August 12, 2017

Me when Usain Bolt pulled up injured and didn't finish in his last race #WorldChampionships2017 #UsainBolt pic.twitter.com/ucGBailoQu

— RON BANDS (@lordgodflacko) August 12, 2017

Devastating way for #UsainBolt to end his incredible career. Not even making it over the finish line as he pulls up with an injury  pic.twitter.com/cJ22jxfJT0

— ᑎIᙅK ᕼOᑭᙓ (@NickHopeTV) August 12, 2017

Not the ideal way curtains shud've fell on the unrivalled domination of legendary #UsainBolt whose only real competition ws the clock.Cruel! pic.twitter.com/4sh7Qw9M4W

— Ragini Nayak (@NayakRagini) August 13, 2017

You're remembered for how you lived and not for how you died...Usain Bolt's legacy stays untouched. Legend. #Respect

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 13, 2017

You never lost a race if you didn't finish the race. #Bolt pic.twitter.com/mBlIWTgSk0

— SC: Mr.Coco8n5 (@MrCocoOfficial) August 12, 2017

Bolt probably one year too many. Sad to see him go down in his final race. Personally I think he has been amazing for the sport. #Respect

— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) August 12, 2017

LEGEND.  USAIN BOLT  pic.twitter.com/ci9t02ysQU

— Marc Bartra (@MarcBartra) August 12, 2017

God know I'm not sad Bolt lost I'm sad that he is hurt and I'm sad that he probably feels like he let us down but he didn't. He did not!

— Ackee and Saltbitch (@chungswag) August 12, 2017

Oh.. no. That's not the way to finish his career. Every one will remember what he achieved. @usainbolt well done! 

— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) August 12, 2017

Thank You my peeps.
Infinite love for you all

— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) August 12, 2017

(Inputs from ANI)