)
Justin Gatlin has heaped praise on Usain Bolt, revealing his top five all-time greatest sprinters list, which also includes Asafa Powell.
American sprinting legend Justin Gatlin has paid glowing tribute to his longtime rival Usain Bolt, declaring the Jamaican superstar as his number one in his all-time top-five sprinters list.
Gatlin, whose battles with Bolt defined an era of sprinting, emphasised that Bolt’s influence transcended the track, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
“Bolt is number one for me for what he has done,” Gatlin shared on his Ready Set Go podcast. “Not only being the record-setter he is, but also bringing a rockstar mentality to a sport that really did not have it to begin with.”
)
11:00 - 30.12.2024
'They recharge me' - Sha'Carri Richardson opens up on family's impact in making her a global icon, including mum & grandma
Sha'Carri Richardson has opened up on how her family has fueled her to succeed over the last couple of years.
Bolt’s legacy: speed, showmanship, and stardom
Usain Bolt’s legacy is unparalleled. With eight Olympic gold medals, numerous World Championship titles, and world records that remain unbroken, he is widely regarded as the fastest man in history.
Bolt’s blistering 9.58-second run in the 100 meters and his 19.19-second performance in the 200 meters—both achieved at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin—cemented his status as a phenomenon.
But for Gatlin, it wasn’t just about the times Bolt ran; it was the way he revolutionized the sport. From his iconic “Lightning Bolt” celebration to his playful pre-race antics, Bolt captivated fans worldwide.
)
18:00 - 08.11.2024
'He made me eat cleaner & work harder' - Justin Gatlin on how Usain Bolt shaped him into becoming a better sprinter
Justin Gatlin has heaped praise on his long-time arch-nemesis Usain Bolt, thanking him for making him the athlete he ended up becoming after returning to the sport.
“Watching what he has done and what he has accomplished, it was one-on-one, both physically and what he has brought to the track,” Gatlin noted.
Michael Johnson and Carl Lewis: icons of their eras
Second on Gatlin’s list is Michael Johnson, known for his dominance in the 200 and 400 meters and his memorable gold spikes. “He set the trend where not only was he famous for what he did on track, but he made his damn shoes infamous. The gold shoes have their own fame,” Gatlin remarked.
Third place went to Carl Lewis, an icon of the 1980s known for his remarkable achievements in the sprints and long jump. “Reading more about Carl Lewis and what he achieved through sprints—his body of work, consistently going out there and being dominant through that era—it was very important for track and field,” Gatlin said.
Lewis’s flamboyant personality, complete with music videos, billboards, and fur coats, made him a global star. “He forced the world to look at him and perceive him as a star,” Gatlin added.
In fourth place, Gatlin humbly included himself, citing his extensive résumé. A five-time Olympic medalist and 12-time World Championship medalist, Gatlin is one of the sport’s most decorated athletes. He is a two-time 100-meter World Champion (2005, 2017), a 200-meter World Champion (2005), and a four-time Diamond League Champion. His personal best of 9.74 seconds ranks fifth on the all-time list.
)
15:04 - 01.06.2024
Justin Gatlin reveals how beating Usain Bolt earned him mouth watering appearance fees
The now-retired 2017 100m World Champion has revealed how beating Usain Bolt in 2017 boosted his appearance fees for the remainder of that season.
“Anything you see that is accomplished in track and field, I have done it,” Gatlin said. “It was like a bucket list—from Olympic gold medals to world championship gold medals, the 100, the 200, the 60, sometimes doing it more than once.”
Rounding out Gatlin’s top five is Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell, who holds the record for the most sub-10-second 100-meter races, with 97 to his name. “To watch him achieve that, and the body of work and the longevity he had, being that fast for that long, I feel like that was an amazing feat within itself,” Gatlin said.
Despite their heated rivalry, Gatlin’s acknowledgment of Bolt’s greatness speaks volumes about the mutual respect between the two legends. Bolt may have retired, but his influence on the sport—and on his peers—remains as potent as ever.
For Gatlin, Bolt’s combination of speed, charisma, and showmanship makes him an unparalleled figure in track and field history. “He’s number one for me, without a doubt,” Gatlin concluded.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)