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Escambia County’s Justin Gatlin Takes Bronze
August 6, 2012
It’s wasn’t the gold he had hoped for, but Escambia County’s Olympian took the bronze Sunday.
Justin Gatlin of Pensacola finished third in the men’s 100m dash at London’s Olympic Stadium. Gatlin’s personal best time of 9.79 was 0.16 behind Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, who posted a time of 9.63 seconds, which broke the Olympic record. Bolt’s teammate, Yohan Blake, took the silver in 9.75 seconds.
Tyson Gay (Lexington, Ky.) was fourth, 0.01 behind Gatlin, while Ryan Bailey (Long Beach, Calif.) was fifth in 9.88 seconds.
Gatlin had waited eight years to get back on the podium. The 2004 Olympic 100-meter champion, Gatlin served a doping ban.
Gatlin, 30, said he was inspired watching Bolt and Blake as the Woodham High graduate served his suspension, and then worked his way back to the top.
“I went out there to challenge a mountain,” Gatlin said. “I went out there to challenge the odds, not just what I’ve been through, but the legacy of Usain Bolt. I went out there to be fearless.”
Choking up, he said, “Just to be part of an epic race, I just wanted to get on the podium and be there for my country. There were a lot of people in the audience with flags so I wanted to be there for them.
Gatlin’s next event will be the 4 x 100 relay for Team USA on Friday.
Comments
17 Responses to “Escambia County’s Justin Gatlin Takes Bronze”
Justin’s problems came to him because he was naive and trusted a crooked coach. He paid the price for it and has made a tremendous comeback. Linda is right; Justin has shown great character and determination. Congratulations for another great achievement.
Congratulations Mr Gatlin.
Good JOB Justin.
My family was cheering for you the entire way… Thanks Justin for making us all proud… and congratulations! There will always be the doubters and critics, but stay true to your heart and goals…
CONGRATS JUSTIN!!!! YOU MAKE US PROUD!!!!
Chalky, your opinion is just that – your opinion. Mine is that Mr. Gatlin handled the ban with grace and dignity. The first drug was prescribed for ADD and even the commission claimed it to be exceptional circumstances – the second event was not proven with 100% certainty. Both, however, were enough to cause the ban. Rather than sulk and whine after his appeal, he fought and worked to come back. I truly don’t give a flip about the Olympics, did not attend Woodham, and might not know him if I fell over him but I am proud of Justin Gatlin for what he was able to accomplish through stength of character and that represents Pensacola far better than much of what makes the news here in northwest Florida or even the fact he can run fast. I’d call it character and something kids would do well to emulate.
A role model?
An athlete caught and banned not once but twice for doping offences?
Some role model!!
You make America proud. Congrats and keep up the awesome work.
CONGRATS TO YOU JUSTIN AND TO WHOEVER RAISED YOU FOR DOING A GREAT JOB. ENJOY YOUR WINNINGS
CONGRATULATIONS…….WAY TO GO!! SO PROUD OF YOU!! WHAT A WONDERFUL ACHIEVEMENT AND ROLE MODEL. GREAT, GREAT JOB!!
What a great come back!!!!
Everyone is so proud of you! I wish you the best life has to offer…
Congratulations to Justin! He is a very nice young man, very cordial and not at all changed by his fame. He is also a very hard working athlete and I believe will continue to be a model for young people.
Wishing you only the best and will be watching. That is a great achievement, you have a lot to be proud of and so does your family.
Congratulations. I watched you run and also heard your comments after your run. Both were very moving. You represented the United States very well. Thank you.
congratz, You should be very proud of yourself.
Congrats! We are very proud of you! Best of luck in your next event.