USA track wins 22 medals at worlds but none of the buzz

BERLIN (AP) — This wasn’t a scene the Americans were hoping to see again.

The setting shifted, yet the world championship results played out eerily similar to the Beijing Olympics.

Usain Bolt still can’t be beat, the U.S. 400 relay teams still struggle to work the baton around the track and the Jamaicans remain atop the sprint rivalry.

Sure, the Americans won the medal count, just like last summer, but the Jamaicans got all the buzz.

Bolt electrified the world again, improving his world records in the 100 and 200. With his antics and outgoing personality, the fun-loving runner dazzled the Olympic Stadium audience.

He also showed just how big of gap there is in sprinting these days.

Even when Bolt went all out — grunting and clenching his teeth on his way to a 19.19 in the 200 — there looked to be more in his tank.

How low can that mark go? No telling.

“I’m just waiting for the lights to flash ‘game over,’ ’cause I felt like I was in a video game,” U.S. sprinter Shawn Crawford said after the 200.

Bolt’s in a class by himself. He’s elevated track, giving it a “did you see that?” element.

“This is an exceptional athlete that comes around once in a generation,” said Doug Logan, the CEO of USA Track and Field. “He’s great for Jamaica, great for the sport, great for the U.S.”

For the United States?

“Keeps us from getting complacent,” Logan said. “Our goal is to not allow him to joke his way through the last 10 meters. ”

Tyson Gay tried to keep up in the 100, setting an American mark even, but finished second as Bolt rocketed to a 9.58.

The Americans continue to struggle in the sprint relays. The men were disqualified in Berlin for making an exchange outside the allowable zone; then the women didn’t finish after Muna Lee pulled up with a hamstring injury.

Some highlights from the championships included:

Dwight Phillips and Brittney Reese sweeping the long jump titles in the stadium where Jesse Owens memorably won four gold medals.

Trey Hardee taking the decathlon title.

Sanya Richards and LaShawn Merritt each winning the 400.

Kerron Clement winning another world title in the 400 hurdles.