Bolt digs deep to beat Gatlin in 100m tussle
WORLD’S fastest man Usain Bolt reflected on the toughest race of his glittering career after pipping drug cheat Justin Gatlin to 100m gold at the World Athletics Championship yesterday.
Six-time Olympic champion Bolt put recent injury problems behind him to beat Gatlin by a hundredth of a second in Beijing’s Bird’s Nest stadium – the American’s first defeat in 29 races. The Jamaican’s win was seen as a timely triumph for the sport, whose credibility has been undermined by a series of doping allegations and the success of Gatlin, who has served two bans.
“I definitely think this was my hardest race. I’ve been through a lot this season, it’s been rough,” said the Jamaican, who will line up against Gatlin in the 200m this week. “Coming back from injury I’ve had a lot of doubters, it’s been a tough road, so for me to come to the championships and defend my title is a good feeling.”
Gatlin, 33, led until the final stages after Bolt, 33, had almost tripped out of the blocks.
“In those five metres I let things get away from me,” he said. “It cost me the race.”