“He has no reason to be nervous” – Gatlin Gives Bolt High Praise
He has clocked world leading times in both the 100m and 200m this season but US sprinter Justin Gatlin is not underestimating the world’s fastest man and he offered him high praises in a recent interview.
On the eve of his 200m run at the Prefontaine Classic at the University of Oregon Gatlin made it clear he is aware of Bolt’s capabilities while speaking with journalists.
“He has a great, strong legacy in our sport; there’s no reason for him to be scared,” said Gatlin after he was asked if Bolt should be scared of him, given his amazing form for the past year.
“He’s competed against the world’s best throughout his whole career, and that he’ll be doing till the day he retires.”
Gatlin also defended himself when asked if he was nervous about facing Bolt.
“I’m not nervous, I love competition. To go out there and run against him is an honour for myself because he’s the greatest in the world at what he does. I wanna get to where he’s at to be able to compete against him and put on a great show for the fans”, said Gatlin.
“I don’t think either one of us are nervous, we want to go out there and put on a good show, run fast. He knows what it takes to be on top of his game, he’s working to be that at the World Championships, like he said,” the American pointed out.
“He’s slowly getting himself into shape, and by the time the World Championships come around, the finals, I’m expecting to go out there and see the Bolt of old, he’s going to run fast,” he predicted.
“London 2012, he was not in shape,” Gatlin reminisced. “To me, he came out ready in the semis of the Olympics. When he came out there and jogged the 9.88, I said this is the Bolt of the old, so that’s what to expect of him. He got beaten in his Olympic trials in Jamaica by his teammate in both races. So to see what he can do when the lights come on, that’s the kind of runner he is and that’s the kind of runner we have to be to combat,” said Gatlin.
In 2014, Gatlin beat practically everyone and is the world leader over both sprints with 9.74 and 20.10 clockings this season.
Source: Jamaica Star
bolt all the way
I have no respect for Gatlin cause he is a Cheater !!
A two time cheater
He can’t even claim it was a mistake
Well said Gatlin.