(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Veteran US sprinter Justin Gatlin has issued a statement that is clearly targeted at his Jamaican rival Usain Bolt, who is yet to start his season.
On Friday night, the tall American ran the joint-sixth quickest 100m time in history to dominate the field at Qatar SC Stadium, creating a Meet Record, clocking 9.74, to emerge victorious at the IAAF Diamond League Doha 2015.
Excerpts from the interview following his win:
Question: What do you have to say on performance of US as a team?
Gatlin: We have to go out as team USA and push forward. We showed that to the world in the Bahamas and we will do it in the World Championships.
Question: You always have something special in mind for Doha!
Gatlin: It's the fans. The people here have a big heart. Gracious people, kind people and they want to see good performances and tonight, it has been a bit of both. Time to time I have had great races here.
Question: Do you think the performance will have an impact on the season ahead?
Gatlin: Of course! This is where you set the tone. Always a laudable win, fast track, good competition, you can't beat that.
Question: Are you missing Usain Bolt?
Gatlin: (Laughs) Well, I think right now the world is just waiting for him to come out and I think everyone is. But the guys who were competing here tonight are no pushovers, they are very fast guys and they have done 'nine seven' and 'nine eights' in the past and these are the guys you have to look out for before every competition.
Question: Are you looking for the Paris encore, where you were the fastest in 100m and an hour later won the 200m as well?
Gatlin: Hey you know what? Paris has been forgotten. I just want to come out there and run every second. My coach asks me to lace up my shoes and go out there and run and I just do it.
Question: Was today's sprint a perfect one for you?
Gatlin: I only know what I feel and I felt it was a good race. If ever in the race I feel sloppy, I look to finish off a little more stronger and faster and that's what I have been working on. But I always report back to the headquarters, which is my coach. And he tells me, 'Hey man, you pushed up the blocks or you didn't run as hard'. You know, he is bit of a critique guy.
Question: Were you aiming to run that fast today?
Gatlin: Time wasn't really a factor tonight. I wasn't trying to run a 'nine six' or 'nine seven'. I just wanted to make a statement. You know man, my coach just shook my hand and said, 'Go out there and make a statement."
Question: Statement to whom?
Gatlin: To the world (laughs)! To anyone who is willing to listen or watch. But, I am glad the fans had a great time and I want to come back again next year. Hopefully you guys will let me.
Question: Is that a statement to your competition?
Gatlin: You guys make him sound like he is a Lord Voldemort (laughs). Statement to anybody, who is willing to judge your position and wants to win the world championships. I think, hopefully, everyone who lines up and makes it to the finals is thinking about winning the gold in the world championships. So it goes out to him; you guys won't say his name; and six other guys, who are lining up for the competition. I love it (on his rivalry with Bolt). You know I am not a trash talker.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.