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Justin Gatlin has given his thoughts on the world indoors even as sprint sensations like Kishane Thompson is poised to make debut.
American sprint icon Justin Gatlin has unleashed a stinging critique of the World Athletics Indoor Championships, casting doubt on its significance in the athletics calendar.
Often referred to as the "World Indoors," the biennial competition features some of the globe’s top athletes in a climate-controlled indoor arena. However, Gatlin’s recent remarks have stirred debate about the event’s role in the track and field ecosystem.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Ready Set Go podcast, Gatlin dismissed the event, stating, “Nobody remembers indoors by the time April comes anyway.”
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The comment was sparked by American Olympian sprinter McKenzie Long’s uncertainty about participating in this year’s World Indoors.
The competition, organized by World Athletics, features a variety of track and field events tailored to the indoor setting.
Events like the 60m, 400m, and 4x400m relay are run on a shorter 200-meter track, while field events such as the high jump, pole vault, and shot put are adapted for indoor conditions.
Many athletes use the championships to fine-tune their form ahead of the outdoor season or global championships, making it a key preparatory event for some.
Despite Gatlin’s dismissal, the event remains a significant platform for emerging and established athletes.
Jamaican sprint star Kishane Thompson is set to make his debut at the Indoor Meet for Amin Tuyakov Prizes, the first World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting of 2025, on January 25.
Thompson, a rising force in the sprinting world, has garnered attention for his rapid progress and is expected to shine in the 60m dash.
Last year’s event saw big names like Olympic champion Noah Lyles and former indoor champion Christian Coleman take center stage.
Lyles used the competition to address weaknesses in his start, competing in the 60m dash against Coleman, who eventually claimed victory. However, it remains to be seen whether both will take to the track for the 60m dash this year.
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As the debate continues, Gatlin’s comments underscore a longstanding divide within the athletics community about the importance of indoor competitions. While some view it as an essential stepping stone, others, like Gatlin, question its relevance once the outdoor season begins.
With Thompson’s debut and other potential star appearances on the horizon, this year’s World Indoors promises to reignite the conversation about the event’s enduring value in the global athletics landscape.
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