Athletics: Gatlin ‘excited’ to compete again

Enters 100 meters at US Olympic trials with the fastest 100 in the world by an American this year at 9.87 seconds

EUGENE: Justin Gatlin’s bid for an Olympic comeback eight years after winning a gold medal and following a four-year doping ban comes down to showing that he is a legitimate champion after all. Gatlin’s quest for a comeback hits the make or break moment this weekend in the 100 meters at the US Olympic trials event, which he enters with the fastest 100 in the world by an American this year at 9.87 seconds from a victory last month at Doha. “For me, it’s almost like a welcoming home party,” said Gatlin. “I don’t think anybody expected me to get this far. Just being able to come back and compete is a victory in itself for me. It’s the first time in a long time I feel excited like a little kid again.”

Published In The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2012.