JUSTIN Gatlin’s shocking win in the men’s 100m final over Usain Bolt silenced the London Stadium.
Gatlin, who was once banned between 2006-10 and won silvers behind Bolt at the last two world championships, clocked 9.92 seconds to win gold, with countryman Christian Coleman winning silver in 9.94 sec.
The American was afforded the same rough reception as he had in the heats and semi-finals: loud boos and jeering ringing around the same stadium where in 2012 his rivalry with Bolt was presented as “good against evil”, given the American’s doping-tainted past.
But Gatlin has form as the last man to beat Bolt over 100m — by a hundredth of a second in Rome in 2013 — and at the age of 35, can still produce the goods, something he has in the past ironically credited with his four years of forced exile from the track.
Bolt suffered a dreadful start and could only claim bronze in 9.95 seconds.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t end it on a winning note, but I want to thank you for your support,” said Bolt, who embraced Gatlin after they streaked through the line with no clear victor immediately apparent. It’s been a wonderful experience as always.”
