USA Olympic Legend Justin Gatlin to Run Final Race at Italian Track Meet This Year

Justin Gatlin has been synonymous with American track and field for quite a while now. The five-time Olympic medalist started his journey at Olympics with the legendary Usain Bolt at the Athens Olympics 2004.?While Bolt faced a setback at his maiden Olympics, Justin rose to fame. The young Justin clocked a time to 9.85 to win the men’s 100m race. Interestingly, he was just a hundredth second from the world record.

After Bolt’s retirement back in 2019, Justin was hoping to dominate at the Tokyo Olympics 2002. But he faced heartbreak after facing a hamstring injury in the Olympics trials, hence failing to qualify. After a long successful career, Justin has finally announced his retirement at 39.

The last run for Olympic legend Justin Gatlin

American legend Justin, who started his journey in 2004, will run his last race at the Italian rack meet. Gala Dei Castelli Di Bellinzona announced the news.

The Italian athletics meeting is one of the most prestigious athletics meets where Olympians and world champions will participate. Gatlin will run on the 14th September 2021, at the Municipal Stadium of Bellinzona.

Interestingly, recent Tokyo Olympics champions will also take part in the race. The likes of Fred Kerley and Andre De Grasse will make it to the most phenomenal race. American sprinter Fred Kerely clinched the silver medal in Tokyo. While Canadian sprinter, Andre De Grasse clinched three medals in Tokyo. Grasse became the champion in the 200m race winning the gold, in addition, he won two bronze medals in 100m and 4x100m relay races.

A look back at Justin Gatlin’s career

39-year-old Justin first rose to fame in 2004, clinching three medals at his maiden Olympic games. He won the gold medal in 100m, silver in the 4x100m relay, and a bronze medal in the 200m race.

12-time World championship medalist, Justin had a major setback in his career when he faced a ban in 2006. Four years later, Justin returned to the field in 2010. At 30, he became the world’s second-fastest man, clocking a time of 9.80 seconds.

At London Olympics 2012, Justin bagged the bronze medal in the 100m race. He continued his podium appearances at the Rio Olympics 2016 as he won the silver medal in the 100m race. Even after facing bumps and hurdles in his career, Justin has always made a terrific comeback. It will be emotional, disheartening but also a spectacular moment to watch the Olympic legend run the last race of his career.

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