Wrongly Naming US Legend Justin Gatlin As A ‘Villain’, Track Journalist Expresses Apology: “I Regret It”

Sports media coverage can either elevate you as a big shot or demolish your reputation in the industry. The same thing happened to former American Olympic sprinter Justin Gatlin following Usain Bolt‘s third-best time of all time in the 100m at the 2015 World Championship.

After Bolt overcame the USA competitor, Justin Gatlin, the British media, particularly the BBC, came under fire for portraying the match as a conflict between good and evil, reported the Guardian. With many even going so far as to call Gatlin a “villain.” Now almost a decade after the incident, one of the labelers finally apologized to the five-time Olympian during an interview segment.

Justin Gatlin makes amends with a contrite soul

In a video interview titled ‘Track Beef vs Rivalries’ on YouTube uploaded by Tidal League, Andrew Martin of Total Running Productions made an appearance alongside Justin Gatlin, who confessed to the mental strain he went through after losing to a fantastic opportunity to defeat ‘off-form’ Usain Bolt at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, China. Martin seized the chance to say, “I was a young mid-20s not really understanding the reality of people that people are people and my very first big video uh was looking at when you Usain Bolt beat you in 2015 by 1/100th.” 

“That storyline you know I built a lot of drama and I’ve actually regretted big time over the years,” he continued. Adding, “I actually do regret the way I portrayed you and uh I’m sorry I really am. I’m happy to be able to say that and hopefully you will accept my apology,” to which Justin Gatlin immediately responded, “I accept your apology man,“ ending the long started athletic beef on a good note.”

Even though the Lightning Bolt was in relatively bad form after breaking the World Indoor Record in Poland in 2014, he managed to register a respectable 9.79 at the Beijing Worlds. However, it was the American sensation’s superior performances of 9.74s that many believed Gatlin was expected to surpass Bolt, given he was the favorite to challenge the Jamaican legend in track and field at the time.

What athletic beef did Andrew Martin cook?

Andrew Martin produced a video in which he explained why Bolt’s victory in the 2015 Beijing World Championship race—which, considering his form in comparison to Gatlin’s, he was not expected to win—certified his status as the greatest sprinter of all time. The video has been viewed by around 12 million people on YouTube, confirmed by another member present in ‘Track Beef vs Rivalries, The infamous Usain GOAT Video, Track Failing with Total Running Productions’ video.

READ MORE “I was very disturbed”: Devastated Usain Bolt Once Spilled Secrets About 2005 World Championships Scandal

Back in 2015, Gatlin spent over five years reestablishing his career following his four-year drug ban, which had destroyed his reputation as the 2004 Olympic champion. Even though Bolt triumphed against all odds, Gatlin had to settle for a silver medal at the event, despite his audacious declaration that he would win.

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