Bolt ruled the sprints in Beijing as he collected a third gold

Usain Bolt captured a third gold medal and a third world record after Jamaica claimed men's 4x100m relay gold.

The quartet smashed the previous world mark of 37.40 seconds set by the United States at the 1992 Olympics by a huge margin to set a new benchmark of 37.10.

Nesta Carter ran a strong first leg before passing the baton to Michael Frater, who handed on to Bolt before Asafa Powell brought it home.

Trinidad and Tobago took silver with Japan coming home for bronze.

Bolt has dominated the sprints in Beijing in his breakthrough season capturing the 100m and 200m titles in new world records.

The 22-year-old began his gold rush six days ago by winning the 100m crown in 9.69 seconds before adding the 200m title in 19.30 to beat Michael Johnson's previous world mark.

A third gold followed in the relay and the Jamaican team spirit produced yet another world record.

Bolt, who clocked 9.96 secs on his leg, told the BBC: "I asked the guys for it and they said 'yes, we're going out there to do it'.

"I'm just happy and grateful because we worked hard for it."

Powell, who lost his 100m world record to team-mate Bolt, was satisfied to come away with a medal after finishing fifth in the 100m final.

MY SPORT: DEBATE If they maximise their speed through the handovers I have no doubt they can go under 37 seconds. Elpenor

"It's a great feeling being out there," said the 25-year-old, who ran hard to the line to make sure he broke the world mark.

"Usain is the world record holder but I was really excited to go out there and get the world record."

Carter added: "It was a great moment. We all wanted it and became victorious. The conditions are good out here so we went for it and got it."

The quartet became the first Jamaican men to capture the Olympic 4x100m title.

Defending champions Great Britain failed to reach the final after anchorman Craig Pickering failed to receive the baton from Marlon Devonish inside the permitted area.

A disastrous handover between Darvis Patton and Tyson Gay also denied the US a place in the final.