'Legendary' - Justin Gatlin gives former track rival Asafa Powell his flowers

Asafa Powell (R) and Justin Gatlin (L) shared a storied sprint rivalry for the better part of a decadeustin Gatlin gives former track rival Asafa Powell his flowers

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ustin Gatlin gives former track rival Asafa Powell his flowers

'Legendary' - Justin Gatlin gives former track rival Asafa Powell his flowers

Stephen Awino 15:00 - 31.01.2025

Justin Gatlin and Asafa Powell shared the stage in a famed rivalry for the better part of a decade in the 2000s.

American track legend Justin Gatlin has expressed his admiration for his former track rival, Jamaican sprinting icon Asafa Powell.

The two athletes dominated the sprinting scene for a better part of the 2000s, playing a pivotal role in the fierce American-Jamaican track rivalry that captivated fans worldwide.

Their rivalry was characterized by a series of record-breaking performances that pushed the boundaries of sprinting excellence.

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Their back-and-forth battle of claiming the owlrd record in the 100m not only highlighted their extraordinary talents but also cemented their status as two of the greatest sprinters of their era.

Years after their storied rivalry, both sprinters have since retired. Recently, Powell took to social media to reminisce about one of his proudest moments—being crowned the 2006 Athlete of the Year.

That season, Powell dominated the 100m sprint, equaling his own world record of 9.77 seconds multiple times.

“Was this really 19 years ago?” Powell wrote, reflecting on his remarkable campaign.

Gatlin, acknowledging his longtime competitor’s achievements, responded with a simple yet powerful comment, writing, "Legendary.”

Despite their intense competition on the track, Gatlin and Powell have developed a strong friendship post-retirement.

They have appeared on each other’s podcasts, sharing candid discussions about their careers and mutual respect.

Their bond was further evident in 2024 when Gatlin traveled to Jamaica to celebrate Powell’s birthday, underscoring the deep camaraderie they now share.

From fierce rivals to close friends, Gatlin and Powell’s journey exemplifies the evolution of sportsmanship.