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Justin Gatlin has urged athletes to have caution in dealing with their wealth due to the unpredictable and unforgiving nature of track and field
American sprint legend Justin Gatlin has called on athletes to exercise caution and restraint in their spending and investment habits, emphasizing the unpredictable and unforgiving nature of competitive sports.
In a candid reflection in a recent episode of the Ready Set Go, the former Olympic and World Champion highlighted the importance of preparing for scenarios beyond success.
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11:00 - 01.12.2024
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"You have to prepare for all scenarios," Gatlin stated. "In a sport where the odds are always against you, why are you not preparing for the worst?
"I don’t understand that. Everyone’s preparing to win, but no one’s preparing to get fourth, no one’s preparing not to make the Olympic team, no one’s preparing for an injury. And then you find a lot of athletes in a tailspin, financially and emotionally because they don’t know what to do next."
Gatlin’s advice is rooted in the harsh realities of the sporting world, where careers can be short-lived and opportunities fleeting.
"The sport is a ‘what have you done for me lately’ kind of business. It will move on without you, find another you, or someone similar, and keep moving forward. So prepare for the rain. You want to live in the sunshine, but you’ve got to prepare for the rain," he urged.
Reflecting on his early career, Gatlin shared how he navigated financial decisions after his breakthrough success.
"I bought a whip (car) first," he said, reminiscing about his first major purchas, a Cadillac Escalade inspired by Tom Brady's Super Bowl win.
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"That was my only gift to myself. After that, everything else financially, I put away. I was very wise with it in stocks, things like that. I waited to see how my next season panned out. But that car, I had to get it."
Gatlin’s message underscores the need for athletes to balance ambition with prudence, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges that can arise in a career fraught with uncertainties.
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