Tag Archives: justin Gatlin

The Morning Run is a daily compilation of links, news and commentary.

The Prefontaine Classic concluded yesterday at Hayward Field in Eugene with its typical array of fast times and competitive races.  Aside from that, the meet also featured Liu Xiang attempting to dance, Allyson Felix bringing back the bodysuit and Abubaker Kaki shaving a Nike swoosh into his hair (at about 2:05).

Full results from the meet can be found here.

Much of our post-race discussion on the live chat centered around the uncertainty of the American men in the 1500.  Andrew Wheating, Lopez Lomong and Leo Manzano were all non-factors in the Bowerman Mile, as was Bernard Lagat, who will be focusing on the 5,000 at the Olympic Trials.  Friday’s International Mile did not provide many answers, as Matt Centrowitz looked rusty. David Torrence and Russell Brown were the lone bright spots, but neither has made an international team.

Justin Gatlin won the 100 in 9.90 and appears ready, willing and able to take on the villain role throughout the summer.  His past history of doping (of which he has never admitted) stands in stark contrast with the charisma and universal popularity of Usain Bolt.  9.90 is a long way from the 9.76 Bolt just ran in Rome a few days ago in Rome, but Gatlin is putting up consistent enough times that he could pose a threat.  Also, the two seem to have some history (see the last 5 paragraphs of this story where Bolt alleges Gatlin spit in his lane at a meet last year).

With each race it becomes clearer that Gatlin will make the American squad for London.  Tyson Gay has yet to surface and Walter Dix suffered an injury yesterday that casts some doubt on his form.  Even accounting for those two, it is tough to envision a scenario where Gatlin is outside the top three.  An even more difficult proposition is seeing a way that Gatlin, even in the red, white and blue in London, is fully embraced by American fans, much less the world.  Not so much for the doping past and the brash statements, but because he will be in opposition to Bolt, the track and field uniter.

Ken Goe’s meet story focuses on Mo Farah and Galen Rupp’s performances in the 5,000.

George Schroeder on the excitement of Liu Xiang.

-Kevin