Usain Bolt has now called himself a "legend" after retaining his 200m Olympic title at London 2012.
The result means Bolt is the first man to win the Olympic sprint double twice in succession.
He beat fellow Jamaican, and closest rival Yohan 'the beast' Blake with a time of 19.32secs. In bronze came another Jamaican Warren Weir, who finished with a personal best of 19.84secs.
Having won the race, Bolt said: “It’s what I came here to do," adding: “I’m now a legend. I’m also the greatest athlete to live.”
Bolt followed his double gold-winning run with an extraordinary performance in the press conference.
When asked about the debate over the greatest Olympic athlete ever, the Beijing and London Olympic champion replied: "Jesse Owens I have a lot of respect for. Carl Lewis I have no respect for. The things he says about other track athletes."
He finished the conference by telling the assembled journalists "one more thing..."
He then said: "I am now a living legend. Bask in my glory," before promptly leaving the room.
Earlier, following the end of the race, Bolt had performed push-ups on the line, before being congratulated by Blake, who finished in silver with a time of 19.44secs.
Speaking to the BBC after the race, Bolt said: "I came out here and did what I had to do. I was fast, but I wasn't fit enough. I could feel it in my back.
"For me it was hard. I'm really dedicated my work and gave it my best. I'm proud of myself. For me I'm happy."
Usain Bolt made history by defending both 100m and 200m titles
Warren Weir (L), Usain Bolt (M) and The Beast (R) celebrate after a clean sweep
Bolt, centre, is embraced by his mother Jennifer
A packed Olympic stadium of 80,000, including Prince Harry, watched as Bolt ran a near perfect first 100m and out of the bend had the race won.
Bolt, always a crowd pleaser, gave his customary arms outstretched, lighting bolt pose, before milking applause from spectators on his victory parade, draped in a Jamaican flag.
After defending his 100m title on Sunday Bolt, 25, had claimed he needed to finish the job with the 200m.
Before the 200m race pressure had been on Blake, 22, who was the fastest qualifier.
But Bolt showed no doubts about his own ability to push through to victory.
"No doubt whatsoever," Bolt said. "I'm ready, this is my favourite event, so I'm looking forward to it.
Bolt kisses the track at London's Olympic stadium after re-writing history
He then performed for the cameras with some push-ups
He milked the applause from the 80,000 crowd at the Olympic Park
Camera phones were out in the thousands for Bolt who celebrated with the crowd
Before the games Bolt told the BBC1 pre-Games programme 100 Days To Go: "If I dominate the Olympics, I'll be a living legend. A living legend walking around. Sounds good."
Earlier in the week Bolt credited McDonalds, Call Of Duty and his German doctor for helping him to his historic Olympic 100m gold medal.
He has also taken a swipe the organisers of the London Games for the “weird, silly rules” that athletes are subjected to in and around the Olympic park.