Justin Gatlin reveals why he did not venture into coaching after retirement

Gatlin has always been passionate about track and field, but opted not to pursue a career as a coach after retirement in 2022.

American sprint icon Justin Gatlin has explained why he never ventured into coaching once he called time on his 20-year sprinting career back in 2022.

Known for his blazing speed and resilience, Gatlin achieved greatness, securing a gold medal in the 100 meters at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and a year later, completing a 100m and 200m sprint double at the World Championships in Helsinki. 

Despite facing setbacks, including two doping bans, he made a stunning comeback to win the 100m gold at the 2017 World Championships, a victory that cemented his place among sprinting’s all-time greats.

However, after calling time on his career following a third-place finish at the 2021 Kip Keino Classic behind Ferdinand Omanyala and Trayvon Bromell, Gatlin surprised many by not transitioning into a coaching role, a path often taken by retired elite athletes.

 In a candid discussion on The Powells YouTube channel, alongside former rivals Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay, Gatlin revealed why coaching wasn't in the cards for him—at least for now.

Gatlin was upfront about the expectations placed on former elite athletes who transition into coaching. "There is a lot of pressure," he said, explaining that fans and athletes alike would expect him to replicate the same kind of dominance in coaching as he did on the track.

 "People expect us to be just as great a coach as we were athletes," Gatlin remarked. This expectation, according to him, is unrealistic, as coaching requires a different skill set and mindset.

Gatlin emphasized that coaching isn’t about instantly creating the next sprint sensation. "Coaching doesn’t work like that," he noted.

 "You have to respect the process and start from the bottom." He explained that building world-class athletes like Tyson Gay or Asafa Powell takes time, dedication, and patience, something that Gatlin was hesitant to commit to after spending two decades immersed in the sport.

Another significant reason Gatlin hesitated to dive into coaching was the time commitment it demands.

 "When you look at coaching, your coach is out there, and you spend as much time with them, if not more, than with your family," Gatlin explained. Having already dedicated 20 years to sprinting, the idea of investing another 20 years into coaching didn’t appeal to him.

The American sprinter reflected on how much time athletes and coaches sacrifice away from their families. "I thought of it as ‘I gotta be out there as a coach too,’ which is another 20 years in the game—it's a lot," he admitted.

Gatlin’s decision to step away from coaching comes down to a desire for balance and peace in his life. "Find something that makes you happy. Find what will make you happy," he advised, emphasizing the importance of personal fulfillment beyond the track. 

He now cherishes the time he can spend with his family, attending his son’s basketball and football games, or simply relaxing at home.

While he hasn’t entirely ruled out the possibility of coaching in the future, Gatlin is firm in his decision to prioritize family and peace for the time being. 

"If coaching comes, it will have to be later on," he said. For now, Gatlin is focused on enjoying life post-retirement, which includes running a podcast alongside co-host Rodney Greene where they delve into all things athletics.

Though Gatlin has chosen not to coach, his influence on the sport continues through his media ventures and his presence in the track and field community. By sharing his experiences and wisdom through platforms like YouTube and his podcast Ready Set Go, Gatlin is still shaping the next generation of athletes—just not in the traditional coaching role.

For fans who hoped to see him develop the next great sprinter, Gatlin’s message is clear: "Right now, it is all about finding your peace."