The Rise and Fall of Justin Gatlin
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by user False Prophet
Justin Gatlin was declare "the savior of Track and Field," and with good reason. He won 3 medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and set the world record in the 100 meter sprint at 9.76 seconds on May 12, 2006. But then everything started to fall apart.
Four days after setting the record, the IAAF Golden League announced in a controversial decision that he in fact ran a 9.766 100 meters, and so it was rounded up to 9.77, changing his record to a tie at 9.77 seconds with Asafa Powell. On July 29, Justin announced he tested positive for what is believed to be testoserone, but declared his innocence: I cannot account for these results, because I have never knowingly used any banned substance or authorised anyone to administer such a substance to me. His B sample was comfirmed sometime in July.
On August 22, Gatlin Agreed to an 8 year ban from track and field, a ban likely to end his career. He was striped of his share of the record as well.
Justin Gatlin, once a hero, now another example of the sad state of American sports. The Drug problem in sports is not nearly over. Many more stars will fall before anything is done, and sports will need to require a blood and urine sample to be tested for everyone.
Date
Wed 08/23/06, 5:59 am EST
