US Legend Justin Gatlin Honored at NBA Game as He Retires From His Track and Field Career at 40

The US sprinting champion, Justin Gatlin, announced his retirement from the track on February 10th. As decorated and eventful as it gets, his career has been a complete roller coaster ride. However, all things said and done, there’s no doubt he was a champion on the track.

Notably, he announced his retirement on Instagram with a beautiful poem, “From running around play grounds playing tag as a kid, To burning down sidelines of youth football fields, To racing the neighborhood kids on foot while they were on bikes. My life changed the moment I knew your name ?..Track.”

He also mentioned the great Kobe Bryant in his post, paying homage to the legend as he has been an inspiration to the US sprinter since the very beginning.

Justin Gatlin honored in Pacers vs Cavs game

The 40-year-old sprinter was honored in a game between Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers. He was awarded a framed Indiana Pacers’ Jersey as a memento, while the commentator spoke about all his achievements on the track.

Gatlin won his only gold in the Olympics in 2004 at the Athens Games. His other achievements include a 100m gold at the 2017 World Championships in London, where he defeated sprinting legend, Usain Bolt, a gold medal in 4x100m relay team at Doha World Championships in 2019, and multiple world titles.

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Truly, Justin Gatlin is no ordinary man. His love for the track kept him agile and alive and saw him win several accolades. He is a survivor, and a champion, who stood strong against every obstacle in his life. In its truest sense,?he is an American hero who’ll be remembered gracing the track with his excellence.