Justin Gatlin agrees with British sprint star's assessment on highly competitive nature of American sprint world

Justin Gatlin with Usain Bolt after a past race

Justin Gatlin agrees with British sprint star's assessment on highly competitive nature of American sprint world

Mark Kinyanjui 21:00 - 18.04.2024

World 400m silver medalist Matthew Hudson- Smith has opined on the difficulty of being an American sprinter, which Justin Gatlin has echoed.

Former American 100m Olympic champion Justin Gatlin has echoed Matthew Hudson-Smith's sentiments regarding the intense competition in American sprinting.

Hudson-Smith, the reigning 400m world silver medalist from Britain, relocated to the United States after a disappointing performance in the 2016 Rio Olympics. In America, he trained alongside top athletes like Noah Lyles to enhance his sprinting capabilities.

Hudson-Smith emphasized the high standards of American sprinting, suggesting that it's possible to run a sub-10-second 100m race during the Olympic trials due to the fierce competition.

"America is such a revolving door," Hudson-Smith remarked. "Talented athletes come and go, and you always have to be at your best. In the UK, you might maintain your position at the top for longer, but in the US, one day off can set you back."

Supporting Hudson-Smith's viewpoint, Gatlin shared his experiences, highlighting the challenges posed by the Olympic trials compared to the actual Olympic Games.

"Participating in the Olympic trials was always more challenging for me than competing in the Olympics itself," Gatlin admitted.

Both athletes' insights shed light on the rigorous and competitive environment of American sprinting, underscoring the need for continuous improvement and peak performance in this highly demanding sport.

Gatlin is a highly decorated American sprinter with an impressive track record in various events. 

He won the Olympic gold in the 100 meters at the 2004 Athens Olympics and has claimed multiple World Championship titles, including the 100 meters in 2005 and 2017, the 200 meters in 2005, and the 4 x 100 meters relay in 2019.

Additionally, Gatlin has secured five Olympic medals and 12 World Championship medals throughout his career.

In the Diamond League, Gatlin has been a dominant force, winning the 100 meters title three times consecutively from 2013 to 2015.

 He has also excelled in indoor competitions, clinching the World Indoor Championship title in the 60 meters in both 2003 and 2012.

Gatlin's personal best of 9.74 seconds in the 100 meters places him fifth on the all-time list for male sprinters.

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