Gatlin aiming for world domination
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-08-19 09:54

ZURICH, Switzerland, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Double world champion Justin Gatlin showed little sign of easing up on Thursday, insisting that his new goal is to dominate men's sprinting.

U.S. sprinters Justin Gatlin (L) and Allyson Felix (R) pose with the gold medals they won in competition at the World Athletics Championships in Helsinki August 14, 2005. [Reuters]

"When you look at people like Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson, Maurice Greene, the key to their success was not world records -- it was their dominance," Gatlin told reporters ahead of his return to the track at Friday's Zurich Golden League meeting.

"Those athletes dominated just about every race they stepped in. And that's what I want to do."

The 23-year-old American will have a first chance to begin that domination in Zurich where he is due to resume his rivalry with Greene in the 100 metres.

Greene, a three-times world champion and 2000 Olympic gold medallist, was a reluctant spectator at the world championships after missing out on selection with a hamstring injury.

Gatlin's long-awaited face-off with Jamaican world record holder Asafa Powell will have to wait a little longer though -- Powell announced on Thursday that he had not yet recovered from the groin tear that prevented his participation in Helsinki.

"This is something that's been repeated many times," said Gatlin when asked about his rival's withdrawal.

"He shows up, says he's going to win and then pulls out at the last second."

"It's not good for his PR or supporters for him to keep ducking out -- he should just say he's injured and take the rest of the season off."

Holding his own news conference half an hour later, Powell denied the charges of showmanship.

"I came here wanting to run," the 22-year-old insisted. "But the doctors have told me it's too early. The injury's getting better day by day though, so I'm definitely not giving up on the season."

Until Gatlin and Powell do finally meet, both will no doubt continue to claim the honour of being the world's best sprinter -- with both men having enjoyed their best moments this season in the absence of the other.

As for the matter of dominating the 100 metres, Powell is sceptical about his rival's ambition.

"There are too many good, young athletes coming through right now. Then look what's happened to me -- not even able to compete because of an injury. So, no, I don't think anyone can really dominate.

"By running 9.77 this year I did something no one has ever done though. There are gold medals at every world championships but I'm the fastest man in the world ever.

"I'm sure a lot of people would like to have that world record, and I'm sure that includes Justin Gatlin."

It looks like being an argument that will run and run -- at least until Powell and Gatlin do likewise.

Close

Bao Chunlai advances at IBF Badminton worlds Man U beat Everton 2-0 IAAF World Athletics Championships

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Guangzhou oil supply 'returning to normal'         First joint drill with Russia launched         Scotland bank in US$3.1b deal for BOC stake         China-US textile talks make progress         Opinion: Corruption has to stay capital crime         'Bird flu may cause global economic mayhem'	Reigning champion Safin withdraws from China Open       Gatlin aiming for world domination       Mourning plans to return to NBA Heat next season       Ferrari can still count on me, says Barrichello       Unknown Cayeux earns Tiger Woods as fan with gritty effort       Russia reaps two golds to top athletics medal table