With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics postponed to 2021 as a result of coronavirus concerns, Justin Gatlin plans to add one more year to his illustrious career as he extends retirement plans to 2021.
The International Olympics Committee (IOC) has finally decided to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to 2021. Several ageing athletes would have been looking forward to this year’s Olympics with high hopes of finishing their careers on a positive note.
One such athlete is US’s top sprinter and former Olympics Gold Medalist, Justin Gatlin. Gatlin won the Olympic Gold Medal at the 2004 Olympics.
Highlights: Justin Gatlin Turns Attention to 2021 Tokyo Olympics:
- Justin Gatlin’s Career Achievements.
- Gatlin Knows How to be in Shape.
- Gatlin Considering Retirement.
- Coronavirus Concerns Greater Than Sports.
Career Achievements of Justin Gatlin
There is no doubt that Justin Gatlin is one of the most decorated athletes in track and field. He is a former Olympic Gold Medalist, 5-time Olympic medal winner, and the current World Champion in 100 m. He is best known for his long rivalry in 100 m with Usain Bolt.
Gatlin Confident to be in Shape for 2021
Considering the glory achieved by Gatlin, he is experienced enough to be in full shape for the 2021 Olympics. Gatlin told Sports Illustrated, “I was in maybe the best shape of my life getting ready for this season. But I know how to get back to it in 2021.”
Gatlin is all the more motivated as he is not taking the postponement of athletic events as a setback. Gatlin said that since there has always been a routine of participating in some or the other event every year, this break could help him be all the more energized for 2021.
Gatlin Feels Old and Considering Retirement
Gatlin was convinced that 2020 would be his last year prior to the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He was mentally fit to end his career on a high as he said that this “was going to be a special tour” for him.
Gatlin was excited to be a part of several events this year. He told Sports Illustrated that he was looking forward to the relays in Texas, Florida and Penn.
However, the coronavirus pandemic has caused him now to reflect on his past and make him realize what a long career he has had. For example, Gatlin highlighted that he is the only guy “that’s crossed three generations of sprinters.”
Some of the sprinters across generations have included Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell and Noah Lyles.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Gatlin would have to put thoughts of participating in various events on hold. In the meantime he can continue reflecting on his long and illustrious career.
Gatlin Acknowledges Coronavirus Pandemic Concerns as Greater than Sports
The last thing an individual wants to recommend a glorified sprinter is not to run and stay indoors. However, the coronavirus pandemic is such a great concern that it has forced everyone to stay indoors and maintain social distancing. The virus has spread across 190+ countries.
Gatlin too acknowledged that the IOC made the right decision to postpone the Olympics as coronavirus has to be dealt with first. Gatlin said that having spent most of his time training, he always thought of himself and his health.
However, Gatlin realized that the coronavirus pandemic was a far greater concern when he took off his athlete hat.
With age not on his side, Justin Gatlin would hope that sporting events can resume safely as soon as possible. He would hope to add as much glory as he can to his list of achievements before retiring.
Having said that, he too would hope that the virus is eliminated as soon as possible to stop the catastrophe that is taking place.
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