Escambia County’s Justin Gatlin And Team Take Silver Olympic Medal

August 12, 2012

Escambia County’s Olympian and team matched a world record but took the silver Saturday in the men’s 4×100 meter relay.

Justin Gatlin of Pensacola, Trell Kimmons, Tyson Gay and Ryan Bailey finished in an American record time of 37.04 seconds Saturday evening at London’s Olympic Stadium.

The gold medal went to Jamaica, which shattered the world record with a time of 36.84 seconds, improving the world standard by 0.2 seconds. By comparison, the U.S. team’s effort matched the world record that was surpassed by Jamaica and is the second-fastest result of all time in the event. Trinidad and Tobago won the bronze medal with a time of 38.12 seconds after Canada finished third but was disqualified.

Gatlin finished third last weekend in the 100m dash for an individual bronze medal.

Gatlin had waited eight years to get back on the podium. The 2004 Olympic 100-meter champion, Gatlin served a doping ban.

“I went out there to challenge a mountain,” Gatlin said last weekend. “I went out there to challenge the odds.”

Comments

9 Responses to “Escambia County’s Justin Gatlin And Team Take Silver Olympic Medal”

  1. dw on August 13th, 2012 8:53 am

    Great comeback . Congratulations !!

  2. Cecilia Byreddy on August 13th, 2012 12:33 am

    Bless you Justin. I have been inspired by you since 2004. Keep your faith strong in God, remain humble, work hard and nothing will keep you from realising your dreams. Congratulations on an inspiring comeback!

  3. Lisa on August 12th, 2012 6:53 pm

    I am so proud of this team. And, especially for Justin Gatlin of Pensacola for being a leader and a positive role model for young people in Pensacola. Thank you for you hard work and for introducing the world to the wonderful people of Pensacola. Blessings!

  4. Natasha on August 12th, 2012 4:36 pm

    I wish I could meet u

  5. AL on August 12th, 2012 4:19 pm

    So proud of Justin Gatlin for making the effort needed to not only come back, but to come back strong and a true champion. LOVED watching these guys run!

  6. DJC on August 12th, 2012 9:46 am

    Great Job!

  7. nene on August 12th, 2012 8:11 am

    Congrats!! Keep up the good work!

  8. Jane on August 12th, 2012 6:00 am

    Follow your dream! Congratulations and I hope you continue to even better things in your life!

  9. Native Pensacolian on August 12th, 2012 1:54 am

    Congrats! I wish more of the young people in Escambia County could have the drive and ambition this young man does. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if he could speak at the schools when he returns and gets settled?

    Did I spell Pensacolian correctly?