Gatlin takes the gold
Justin Gatlin, who ran track at the University of Tennessee for two years, celebrates Saturday after winning the gold medal in the men’s
100 meter final during the World Athletics Championships in London. Gatlin defeated American teammate Christian Coleman and Usain Bolt, who was competing in the last 100-meter race of his career.
LONDON — Usain Bolt was no longer stunning. He was just stunned.
At the end of a career in which he has dominated track for a decade, Bolt was beaten in his final 100-meter race by a rival almost five years his senior, Justin Gatlin, and one who is a rising star, Christian Coleman. Both of those American sprinters are former University of Tennessee athletes.
Calling it quits at the age of 30 and looking for a golden farewell in his last individual race at the world championships, Bolt lost to a man in Gatlin who produced a comeback not only Saturday but also through a doping-tainted career.
In a tight finish, Bolt was punished for his slow start, and Gatlin fought back to nip everyone at the line in 9.92 seconds. Coleman, who turned pro this summer after an impressive NCAA showing, took silver in 9.94 as Bolt earned bronze in 9.95.
“My start is killing me,” Bolt said. “Normally it gets better during the rounds, but it didn’t come together.”
Gatlin knows what the lightning-fast Jamaican has meant to the sport, graciously bowing in admiration in front of him — even after beating him. The two men, never really friends, warmly embraced and spoke.
“It’s just so surreal right now,” Gatlin said. “Usain has accomplished so much in our sport and inspired others.”
When his victory sank in, Gatlin let out a roar and then put a finger in front of his mouth for silence as the crowd continued to show him disrespect.
The moment completed an amazing turnaround for the man who was the Olympic champion in 2004 before Bolt emerged and won an unprecedented three
straight 100-meter titles at the Olympics. Thirteen years later, Gatlin bounced back to win in Bolt’s last individual race.
In between, Gatlin’s career was stopped twice for doping suspensions. Yet fighting controversy all the way since, he took perhaps his greatest gold at age 35.
“It was almost like 2004 all over again,” Gatlin said. “I won by a little margin, and to be able to come across the line is amazing.”
The sellout crowd of 60,000 at the Olympic Stadium, ready for a party in a race they were convinced Bolt would win, had to acknowledge a champion they relentlessly booed over the opening two days of the championships.
It turned into awkward scenes, with the champion being overlooked for the bronze medalist.
“It’s not about the crowd,” Gatlin said. “I tuned it out through the rounds and stayed the course.”
Bolt didn’t smile any less afterward.
“It is just one of those things,” Bolt said, showing his carefree demeanor even in defeat. “It has been brilliant.”
Bolt was again slow out of the blocks in the final and came back strong, but he ended up short.
When he ran out of steam, Gatlin gathered more.
“He knows how hard I work,” Gatlin said. “Tonight was all about the ‘W,’ and I managed to sneak it.”