American sprint legend Justin Gatlin has encouraged Jamaican twins Tina and Tia Clayton after Tina’s breakout win at nationals and Tia’s injury setback.
Tina Clayton's triumph at the Jamaican National Championships marked a defining moment in her blossoming sprint career.
The 20-year-old sprinter stunned the athletics world by edging out two of Jamaica's most decorated athletes in Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce to win the women’s 100m title.
However, the celebration came with a bittersweet twist as her twin sister Tia Clayton, a fellow sprint sensation, suffered an injury mid-race and failed to finish, effectively ruling her out of the upcoming 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
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Despite the emotional highs and lows, the Clayton sisters have found strength not only in each other but also in the supportive words of American sprint legend Justin Gatlin.
The former World and Olympic champion, speaking on his Ready Set Go podcast, offered heartfelt encouragement to both sisters in the wake of their contrasting outcomes at the Jamaican trials.
Gatlin Reflects on Tia’s Grace and Tina’s Rise
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"I think everything happens for a reason and timing is everything," Gatlin remarked.
He recalled Tia’s breakthrough performance at the previous Olympics, where she was the only Jamaican female sprinter to compete in the event.
“Young girl out there against the world. And she handled it with so much grace, so much discipline. When I say she ran, she ran. She handled business."
Turning to Tina’s recent rise, Gatlin praised her composure and competitive maturity.
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“Now it’s Tina’s turn. Tina stepped up to the plate. She’s gone out there, become national champion,” he said.
What impressed Gatlin even more was the sisters’ mutual support, a bond stronger than rivalry.
“There’s no animosity, no ‘I’m better than you’ mindset. It’s ‘I’m cheering for my sister because I know how we train. I know what it takes for us to be great.’”
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‘Double Trouble’ Poised for the Future
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Gatlin believes this twin dynamic, built on shared effort and unshakable loyalty, will be a major force in global sprinting.
While Tina prepares to take on the world in Tokyo next year, Tia will focus on recovery and a strong return to the track.
“We hope Tia recovers very fast,” Gatlin said.
"We get to see ‘double trouble’ back out there, because that’s what they are. Once they get on the track together with no injuries, no setbacks, I think we’re going to see some real competitiveness from them.”
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With the world watching, the Clayton twins' story is evolving from personal promise to national pride. And as Gatlin suggested, timing is everything and their time may just be beginning.