LONDON - Olympic champion and world record holder Usain Bolt eased to victory in his 100m heat at the London Diamond League meeting on Friday in a time of 9.87sec.
Jamaica's Usain Bolt (C) competes to win the second heat of the men's 100m event during the IAAF Diamond League Anniversary Games athletics meeting in Stratford, west London on July 24, 2015
Bolt stunned onlookers with his performance on a wet and cool night at the London Olympic Stadium in just his second 100m outing of the season after being plagued by a pelvic injury.
It was the Jamaican's first appearance in six weeks with his only previous 100m race this year seeing him struggle to a modest 10.12sec.
Running into a strong headwind, Bolt finished ahead of America's Michael Rodgers (9.92sec) and St Kitts and Nevis veteran Kim Collins (10.02sec) in the second of three heats for the final later on Friday.
Justin Gatlin of the United States still leads the way with 9.74sec in the 100m this season, setting up an intriguing world championship showdown with Bolt in Beijing next month.
Bolt opted not to talk to reporters after his heat, but experts trackside were stunned by the six-time Olympic champion's run.
"He is saying I am here, I am back. When he runs like that, he is unbeatable," former 110m hurdles champion Colin Jackson told the BBC.