'He is in too good of a shape'- Usain Bolt admits he would lose to Justin Gatlin in a rematch

Usain Bolt admits he would lose to Justin Gatlin in a rematch Image source: Imago

'He is in too good of a shape'- Usain Bolt admits he would lose to Justin Gatlin in a rematch

Abigael Wafula 06:30 - 03.03.2025

Usain Bolt has admitted that Justin Gatlin is in much better shape than him right now and would likely win if they had a rematch.

The world’s fastest man Usain Bolt believes that a potential rematch with American legend Usain Bolt would see him lose.

Usain Bolt explained that he is currently out of shape, unlike Justin Gatlin, who still practices his starts and goes to the gym religiously.

The double-world record holder added that watching Justin Gatlin and Asafa Powell working out unleashed a spark in him to go back to the gym but added that he would not be as great as he was during his days as an active athlete.

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Usain Bolt revealed that a rematch would be fun, having the likes of Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell also join the list. In such a context, times would not be considered and the 100m distance might be reduced to cater for all the athletes.

“No man, he is in too good of a shape. I see him doing starts all the time. I texted him and asked, ‘Bro, why are you in such good shape?’” Usain Bolt said on the Ready Set Go podcast.

“I saw him and Asafa work out and I had to get back to the gym. I’m ready, just for the fun of it, let’s go. It would be fun man, to do something like that.”

The 11-time world champion gave credit to Justin Gatlin, revealing that the 2004 Olympic champion always kept him on his toes and ensured he was always in good shape.

Usain Bolt noted that his coach, Glen Mills, would always draw reference from Justin Gatlin, which would make Usain Bolt put in the work in training, the only way he could beat the American.

“I had to be in the best shape of my life…that’s just the fact bro. You don’t understand this bro, I keep telling you, from the start, my coach told me, ‘Justin is always going to be ready.’” Usain Bolt added.

“So every year, I needed to be in the best shape of my life to ensure I could beat this guy. If I was not in the best shape, I would lose.”

Justin Gatlin and Usain Bolt formed one of the greatest track and field rivalries that fans still miss to date. A potential rematch would be fun to watch and relish memories of the past.

The last time the duo raced against each other was at the 2017 World Championships where for once in a very long time, Justin Gatlin beat the Jamaican legend. After the race, Usain Bolt announced his retirement.

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