Usain Bolt of Jamaica celebrates winning the men's 200-meter dash at the IAAF World Championships on Thursday in Beijing. Photo: Cui Meng/GT

Usain Bolt proved he's still the fastest man in the world as he retained his title in the men's 200-meter final at the Bird's Nest on Thursday in 19.55 seconds, defeating Justin Gatlin, who clocked 19.74 seconds.

Bolt kissed Lane 6 of the track before being taken down while thanking the crowd by a cameraman who was riding on a Segway.

"Rumors has it Justin Gatlin paid him to do so, but I'm all right," Bolt said at a post-race news conference, before Gatlin joked, "I want my money back, please."

Gatlin, who came under attack by the media at the worlds for his doping ­history, applauded Bolt after crossing the finish line.

South Africa's Anaso Jobodwana took bronze in 19.87 seconds.

Bolt, who set the world record of 19.19 at the 2009 Berlin worlds, said the 200-meter dash is his favorite.

"The 200 meters means more, I run 100 meters just for the people and for my coach," the 29-year-old Jamaican said.

"I really put more hard work into it and did my best, it means a lot to me."

Bolt's season was mostly beleaguered by joint problems. He returned to ­competition a month ahead of the ­Beijing worlds.

"It makes no sense to run when I'm not in my best form and Gatlin is at his best. I want to be at least in good shape," Bolt said.

Wearing a T-shirt with the phrase "forever faster," the reigning world champion also noted he will switch his focus in the future.

"It's all about how I feel after Rio, if I can put my body for another season, that will determine the future," he said. 

Gatlin, 33, who set the previous ­season-leading time of 19.57 seconds in June at the Eugune Diamond League meet, said he will focus on next year's Olympic Games.

"I'm the oldest man in the field and still running," Gatlin said after the race. "I'm just going to prepare myself for next year, for the Olympics and come out even stronger."

The night also featured China's ­female hammer throw star Zhang Wenxiu, who claimed silver in her eighth world championship appearance. Her best throw reached 76.33 meters.

She said it's a pity not hearing the ­national anthem being played at the Bird's Nest, but she also paid tribute to the winner.

Anita Wlodarczyk of Poland set a new championship record of 80.85 meters. She holds the current world record of 81.08 meters, set earlier this month.

In the men's 110-meter hurdles, ­Aries Merritt of the US led the pack into the finals.

The current world record holder clocked 13.08 seconds. Defending ­champion, David Oliver, ran in 13.17 ­seconds.

China's Xie Wenjun failed to qualify at 13.39 seconds. Xie won the Asian Games gold last year.

(From left) Usain Bolt, Zharnel Hughes and Justin Gatlin compete in the men’s 200-meter dash final at the IAAF World Championships on Thursday in Beijing. Photo: Cui Meng/GT

Usain Bolt of Jamaica celebrates winning the men’s 200-meter dash at the IAAF World Championships on Thursday in Beijing. Photo: Cui Meng/GT
 

Zhang Wenxiu of China celebrats winning silver in the women's hammer throw at the IAAF World Championships on Thursday in Beijing. Photo: Cui Meng/GT

Chinese hurdler Xie Wenjun (center) competes at the final of the men's 110-meter hurdles at the IAAF World Championships on Thursday in Beijing. Photo: Cui Meng/GT

Chinese hurdler Xie Wenjun reacts after the final of the men's 110-meter hurdles at the IAAF World Championships on Thursday in Beijing. Photo: Cui Meng/GT

Anita Wlodarczyk of Poland in action during the final of women's hammer throw at the IAAF World Championships on Thursday in Beijing. Photo: Cui Meng/GT

David Oliver (center) of the US competes in the final of the men's 110-meter hurdles at the IAAF World Championships on Thursday in Beijing. Photo: Cui Meng/GT