“I’m That Competitive”: Usain Bolt Reveals What Justin Gatlin Said That Sparked Their Huge Rivalry

Being in the headlines is nothing new for Usain Bolt, the greatest sprinter of all time. Not just as an athlete, but as an individual too, Bolt?s dynamic personality is known to all. With his swift running moves on the track and his charismatic persona away from it, he never fails to impress his fans.

Nicknamed Lightning Bolt, Usain reached unprecedented heights during his time on the track. The eight-time Olympic champion is the only athlete in the sport’s history to win gold at three consecutive Olympics.

Despite retiring in 2017, Bolt remembers sharing an intense rivalry with a certain competitor. Recently, through an interview, Bolt revealed that his greatest rival is American sprinter Justin Gatlin.

“Let’s go”- Usain Bolt

Beating Bolt?s record of 9.58 seconds in the 100 meters is nearly impossible. However, sprinters from all over the world often give it their all, trying to do the impossible.

After being crowned as the fastest man on the planet, Bolt almost lost all motivation to compete. However, that’s when he received a video of Justin Gatlin openly challenging him. To no surprise, Gatlin?s confidence fueled up Bolt, who was now ready for battle.

?At the Olympics, throughout the season I had problems motivating myself. And I remember somebody sent me a video of Justin Gatlin on this morning show and he was talking to the guy who’s like ?Yo are you gonna beat Usain Bolt this year?” said Bolt.

?And he was like yeah, I’m going to beat him and I’m going to wear my gold medal around my neck like a gold chain. I was like ?All right let’s go!? I mean I’m that competitive right,? he added.

Lucky for fans but not for other athletes, Justin’s challenge ignited the lost spark in Bolt to come out and script history on the track, setting a time that remains untouched to date.

Bolt and Gatlin?s relationship

Despite being fierce rivals, Bolt appreciates Gatlin?s determination and dedication towards the sport. Even though rivals, they both admire each other.

?He was always determined and I have to respect him for that and it’s the weirdest thing. So, me and him would talk sh*t all season,? said the legend.

However, as soon as the competition ends, Gatlin becomes a different person.

“I kind of figured that’s just how he deals with his competition. He doesn’t want to be my friend until the competition is done,? Bolt added.

Athletes have their way of handling personal relationships with rivals. Although the two are competitors, the respect they have for one another is noteworthy.

During the World Championships 2017, although Justin Gatlin won the race, he bowed down to Usain Bolt, in one of the most iconic moments in the sport’s history.

READ MORE: Usain Bolt Reveals the Peculiar Reason He Did Not Go to College in the US