VIDEO: Justin Gatlin runs fastest 100m of the year
With Usain Bolt facing a battle to regain fitness, his fierce rival Justin Gatlin laid down a timely Olympic marker with the fastest 100 metres in the world this year at the US Olympic trials in Eugene.
The 34-year-old won in 9.80 sec and afterwards warned his Jamaican rivals he expected an American sprint clean sweep of the medals at next month’s Games. He said: “Team USA is going to go 1,2,3 in Rio.”
Justin Gatlin CRUSHED the Men's 100m today at #TrackTown16! ??
— U.S. Olympic Team (@TeamUSA) July 4, 2016
9.8 seconds? Not too shabby!! ?#GoTeamUSA ?⬇️https://t.co/Tu64R6qQav
Gatlin has struggled to get the better of Bolt but is in notably better form and fitness than his long-term rival.
At 34, he will be the oldest sprinter to represent America in the Olympics since 1912.
Bolt will fly to Germany this week to consult with Dr Hans Muller-Wohlfahrt, who helped him overcome a pelvic issue to win triple gold at last year’s World Championships.
Whether the Jamaican has the chance to achieve that feat at a third Olympics this summer remains to be seen, with Bolt having just one opportunity — at the Anniversary Games in London on July 22 — to prove himself to selectors.
In Bolt’s absence, Yohan Blake won the 200m at the Jamaican Championships in 20.29sec last night, having won the 100m on Friday in 9.95sec.
