New York, Feb 17 (IANS) Controversial American sprinter Justin Gatlin has vowed to defeat the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt at the Rio Olympics later this year.
Gatlin is seeking revenge after Jamaican Bolt put a troubled build-up behind him to beat the American and retain his world 100 metre title in Beijing last year, reports CMC.
The prospect of another clash between Bolt and Gatlin sets the tone for an epic 100m showdown during the summer Olympics in Brazil from August 5-21.
“I’m going to win. We are bringing it (gold medal) back to the USA. We are going to bring it back to the USA, to LA to New York,” said Gatlin on Tuesday.
“We are going on a tour around the country with it around my neck like a gold chain.”
Although Gatlin came into the final in Beijing last year on a 28-race unbeaten run, Bolt beat him at the death to snatch victory by one hundredth of a second.
Gatlin said he considers himself the closest threat Bolt has ever had and he is working hard to be even better.
“It’s my duty to beat the biggest rival possible to make it one of the most epic races in Olympic history, so I got to stand up to the duty. So I am working very hard around the clock,” said Gatlin.
“Last year was a nail-biter to the finish line at the World Championships. He won over me by a hundredth of a second, so I am the closest threat he has ever had. So right now I am working to be better than that.”