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Justin Gatlin has heaped praise on Tia Clayton and Tamari Davis, tipping both athletes for big futures.
American sprint legend Justin Gatlin has shared his insights on two emerging talents in the world of sprinting: Tamari Davis from the United States and Jamaica’s rising star Tia Clayton.
During a recent episode of his Ready Set Go podcast, Gatlin discussed why these young athletes are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
Tia Clayton, only 19 years old, has been making waves on the global sprinting stage. She recently edged out Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith in a thrilling photo finish, further cementing her reputation as a sprinter to watch.
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20:00 - 25.08.2024
Jamaica's Tia Clayton sets personal best in Silesia as she beats Ivory Coast's Ta Lou-Smith in epic photo finish
Clayton has set a new personal best 100m record after getting over the line first in an epic photo-finish in Silesia.
Clayton’s seventh-place finish in the 100m final at the Paris 2024 Olympics was a testament to her resilience and determination. Throughout the season, she has consistently improved her times, culminating in a personal best in Silesia.
Clayton’s performance in this event, where she equaled her previous best of 10.86 seconds, signals her readiness to compete with the world’s elite.
Gatlin was particularly impressed with Clayton’s ability to rise to the occasion, especially in a season where Jamaica’s top sprinters—Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, and Elaine Thompson-Herah—have faced challenges.
“Young bull, stepped up in the absence of the big three from Jamaica. Tia Clayton has gotten herself a victory in the 100 meters,” Gatlin remarked.
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08:00 - 31.08.2024
Faith Kipyegon reveals main priority after sealing Diamond League final place with dominant 1500m win in Rome
Kipyegon has reflected on her dominant 1500m performance in Rome on Friday night, explaining her number one priority for the rest of the season.
He also emphasized the learning curve that Clayton is currently experiencing, drawing parallels between her and the seasoned athletes she once admired from afar.
“She has at some point sat at home and watched these ladies compete on television,” Gatlin noted, highlighting the rapid progression in her career.
Gatlin’s podcast co-host, Rodney Greene, echoed these sentiments, expressing his satisfaction with Clayton’s performance in Silesia.
“I was happy with the 10.83, but I wanted it to be legal for her, and I love the way Ta Lou goes over and greets her. She goes over to her head and says, ‘You got that one, kid, that was a pretty good race,’” Greene shared.
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20:00 - 30.08.2024
'They looked like they are on a Maybelline commercial!' - Justin Gatlin on the physical appeal of athletes at Paris Olympics
Justin Gatlin has opined why he thinks track and field is the sport with the most physically attractive athletes in the world.
Turning his attention to Tamari Davis, Gatlin explained why the young American sprinter is a force to be reckoned with, especially after narrowly missing out on qualifying for the Paris Olympics.
Davis, who took third place in Silesia with a time of 10.84 seconds, has shown tremendous potential. Despite her absence from the Olympics, Davis was part of the U.S. team that won gold in the 4x100m relay at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.
Gatlin believes that Davis is on the cusp of becoming a permanent fixture on the US 4x100m relay team. “I am telling you right now, it is going to be hard to deny her that spot on the relay. She is becoming such an amazing starter and she is learning how to unravel her race the right way and is keeping her velocity,” Gatlin explained
. He went on to praise Davis for her consistency and growth, saying, “She is putting consistent times and coming on her own, so I want to see something really good for next year.”
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