Coleman sizzles in 100 metre heats
sacramento — Christian Coleman displayed the kind of speed that helped him clock the fastest time of the year when he led 100 metres qualifying at the US national championships on Thursday as 35-year-old Justin Gatlin kept pace with the youngsters.
Coleman, who has clocked a season-best 9.82 seconds, slowed down noticeably in his heat but still ran 9.93 on a blazing afternoon where track temperatures topped 43 degrees Celsius at a meet that doubles up as world championships trials. “Yeah, I have complete confidence in myself that I can beat anybody I get on the line with, whether it’s him (Usain Bolt) or anybody else,” Coleman said of his chances against the world record holder in the Jamaican’s final 100 metres at the London championships in August. Olympic silver medallist Gatlin was not far behind the 21-year-old Coleman time wise, winning his heat in 10.00 seconds as he fights back to full fitness following a string of injuries.
Yeah, I have complete confidence in myself that I can beat anybody I get on the line with Christian Coleman
“It’s a surreal time for me,” Gatlin said of being able to compete with America’s young sprinters. “I am a older guy in a year that I’m probably the most injured I have ever been.”
Isiah Young won a third heat in 9.97 and Mike Rodgers was second to Gatlin, also in 10.00, but US record holder Tyson Gay failed to advance, as the 34-yearold finished 15th overall in 10.17 after stumbling at the start.
Double Olympic medallist Tori Bowie continued her fine form in the women’s sprint, leading qualifying in 10.90 with Morolake Akinosun second fastest in 10.98 and world indoor champion Barbara Pierre a winner of her heat in 10.99. —