Rise and Fall of American Sprinter

Athletics is one sport which is surrounded by controversies and when it comes to track and field events one name that remains controversial is - JUSTIN GATLIN. The American sprinter shot to fame when he set a world record in the 100-meter dash in 2006. But what followed after that was something that no one would have believed especially if you are a Gatlin fan. He was suspended for eight years from participating in international competition after he was tested positive for taking steroids - testosterone. This was not the end, but what followed was even worse, Justin Gatlin was stripped of his world record. This was not the first time that Gatlin was surrounded with such controversies. In 2001, Gatlin was suspended from athletics for two years for testing positive.

But without any doubt he is one of the greatest American sprinters, as he cooperated with the authorities in his investigation and interrogation, his eight-year ban was reduced to four years in 2007 - this was one good news for all the Gatlin and American fans.

As a true athlete that Justin Gatlin is, he was not the one to sit back and look at his fellow sprinters to rule the roost. He trained hard and returned back in 2010 to track and field circuit to win the 100-meter race in Estonia nd Finland, but he looked the shadow of Gatlin that the world once knew. Slowly and Gradually Gatlin started to make up his mark again and in the year 2012, Gatlin qualified for 2012 Summer Olympics - London with a record time of 9.80 seconds beating his friend and fellow American Tyson Gay. His name once again became the headlines until Usain Bolt who stole the limelight to finish the 100-meter race in just 9.63 seconds, but still, Gatlin won the Bronze medal with a personal best timing of 9.79 seconds.

The year 2014 saw a new Justin Gatlin, he had left behind all the controversies and overpowered every athlete in this period, he not only dominated the 100-meter race but also won the 200-meter race in Monaco with the personal best 19.68 seconds. At the recently concluded Rio Olympics Justin Gatlin finished second with 9.89 seconds. His dream of winning the gold medal in Olympics after his return to track and field events still remain a dream. He is twice beaten by Usain Bolt, but is still high on confidence and at the recent press conference he said, "9.58 seconds is not far away". He was referring to Usain Bolt's world record of 9.58 seconds in 2009.

With all the ups and downs, the confidence of this man is sky high.... A salute to such athlete who is not ready to give up even at the later stage of his life.