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Justin Gatlin's fastest time of 9.74 seconds places him fifth in the list of all time fastest men but he faces the prospect of seeing the like of Oblique Seville knock him of his perch.
American sprinting legend Justin Gatlin has addressed the growing competition surrounding his position among the fastest men of all time, with several athletes emerging as potential threats to knock him out of the top five.
Gatlin's 9.74-second run, set at the Qatar Athletic Super Grand Prix, currently holds the fifth spot on the list of the fastest times ever recorded.
This list is topped by Jamaican icon Usain Bolt with a jaw-dropping 9.58 seconds, followed by fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake (9.69), as well as American Tyson Gay (9.69) and Asafa Powell (9.72).
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16:29 - 21.12.2024
Justin Gatlin on the attribute about hurdler Grant Holloway's running that could shock Noah Lyles and Co in flat sprints
Justin Gatlin has explained why Grant Holloway should consider transitioning to the flat races, such as the 60 meters and the 100 meters.
However, the conversation around potentially unseating Gatlin from the top five is intensifying, particularly with the rise of new talents.
Jamaican sprint sensation Oblique Seville has expressed a strong desire to break into the top five, and Olympic champion Noah Lyles as well as Jamaica's Kishane Thompson recently clocked a 9.79 in Paris, leaving many to speculate that 2025 could be the year a new name enters the exclusive top-five club.
Despite the pressure, Gatlin remains confident that his time will hold strong in the face of rising competition. He shared his thoughts on the intricacies involved in achieving such fast times and the challenges that come with them.
Speaking in response to co-host Rodney Green's comment on the Ready Set Go podcast that he expected Lyles, Seville, or Thompson to potentially knock him out of the top five, Gatlin made it clear that achieving a fast time is not as straightforward as some might think.
"Still holding on strong," said Gatlin as he emphasized that there exists significant differences between running for a championship or medal and going for a fast time.
“When you weigh running to win, let’s just say, a championship or a medal, compared to running a particular fast time, they're two different pressures, two different environments, and two different accomplishments,” Gatlin explained.
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15:09 - 21.12.2024
'I'm knocking on the door of the 200m' - Noah Lyles explains why Usain Bolt's record still motivates him
Noah Lyles has expressed his determination to break Usain Bolt's 200m world record while honoring the sprinting legend's legacy.
He further elaborated, stating, “You can’t take the top five lightly. When you think about medals and podiums, you know exactly what day it is, you know exactly when you’ve got to line up, you know exactly who your opponents are."
"If you execute your race perfectly, you know you can beat certain opponents. But when you talk about running a fast time, it’s a lot more intricate. It dictates wind conditions, environment, weather, temperature, how you warm up, the people you’re racing against, it’s a lot more that goes into it," he added.
For Gatlin, setting a fast time is not just about speed, but also about the perfect conditions aligning for a record-breaking run.
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07:00 - 20.12.2024
‘He ran 9.77 and shut it down’ - Rai Benjamin on how he thought Americans were doomed at Paris Olympics & his respect for USA-Jamaica rivalry
American sprinter Rai Benjamin has explained how he enjoys the rivalry between Jamaica and USA, revealing how Kishane Thompson’s 100m world lead left him fearing the worst.
He pointed out that even attempting to run a time like 9.73 seconds, just a fraction faster than his own 9.74, is no easy task.
“It’s not easy to go out there and say, 'You know what? I’m going to drop a 9.73 real quick.' It’s difficult. It’s going to be a very tall order, not just for Oblique but for anyone stepping up to the occasion," he added.
Gatlin also highlighted the physical and mental preparation required to achieve such feats.
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16:33 - 21.12.2024
'He is the best' - Why Sha'Carri Richardson is forever indebted to coach Dennis Mitchell
Under Mitchell's guidance, Richardson has gone on to claim three major medals over the last one year.
“Your body has to be ready in practice to run somewhere around 9.70. You’ve got to be ready not only for the race but also to handle the anxiety, the distractions of the crowd, the fatigue from travel, all those things factor into how fast you’re going to run.”
The 9.74 mark Gatlin set in Qatar has remained a testament to his sprinting prowess. As the competition heats up and new challengers emerge, Gatlin’s words serve as a reminder of the fine balance between preparation, timing, and the perfect conditions needed to join the ranks of the fastest men in history. While future competitors may one day break into the top five, Gatlin’s experience and knowledge of the sport make it clear that maintaining such a position is no easy feat.
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