Gatlin wins 200 with meet-record time

Justin Gatlin breezed to the 200-meter title in the U.S. championship in a meet-record 19.57 seconds Sunday at Eugene, Oregon.

Gatlin dominated the race, taking the lead before the turn. Training partner Isiah Young was second and Wallace Spearmon third.

“I wanted to go out and make a statement and that’s what I did today,” Gatlin said. “That’s probably one of the best races I’ve had.”

Gatlin beat his previous best of 19.68, which he set last July in Monaco and then matched last month here at Hayward Field. Tyson Gay set the previous meet record of 19.62 in 2007.

Michael Johnson holds the American record (19.32) and Usain Bolt the world record (19.19).

“I’m just honored to say I’m on that shortlist of Americans who have ran that fast,” Gatlin said.

The 33-year-old Gatlin skipped the 100 because he had an automatic bye into the world championships courtesy of his Diamond League title. That sets up a showdown in both events with Bolt in Beijing in August.

Now it’s back to work for Gatlin in an effort to catch Bolt, who skipped the Jamaican nationals because he has automatic byes into both events as the world champion.

“A lot of sprinters are waking up and saying, ‘It’s time to fight back. It’s time to work hard and bear that American flag with honor,’ ” Gatlin said.

Oregon standout Jenna Prandini won the women’s 200 in 22.20. Candyce McGrone was second and Jeneba Tarmoh third.