Justin Gatlin

[Roy]

After watching Justin Gatlin run several races over the past few years, I really believed he could run under 9.90 for the 100 and under 19.70 for the 200. I hope it's still true. Any word on his injury in Mexico City? I'd love to see him healthy in Paris in August.

Re: Justin Gatlin

roy i agree, gatlin is the real mccoy. i dont know what happened to him in mexico city. i am hoping he will be back before the usatf meet.
i think he can go 9.8 and 19.6 by next year.

[JRM]

Re: Justin Gatlin

19.6 is not the equivalent of 9.8. There have only ever been three 19.6 times run in the history of the event (one wind-assisted, the others curiously on the same track). We need to remember that the "standard" for world class 200m times is 19.7ish. The performances of Pietro Mennea and Michael Johnson have served to skew the perceived limits of the event for over 20 years!

That being said, I think Gatlin stands the best chance in the current field of putting down consistent 19.8s and 19.7s. Is he 9.8 material? Hard to say. Sub-10? Probably.

[vaulter83]

Re: Justin Gatlin

The standard for world-class 200m times is 19.7?! You've gotta be kidding. Running 19.7 puts you in the top 7 all-time in the 200. Gatlin is certainly capable of it but those are pretty high standards you've got there.

[JRM]

Re: Justin Gatlin

I didn't imply the standard was "19.7". Perhaps a typo on my part. By saying that Gatlin can rank in that region I meant to say that he is capable of joining the all-time ranks. The "average" world class time for 200m is clearly slower!

Re: Justin Gatlin

>19.6 is not the equivalent of 9.8.

Agreed, but based on what he's shown so far, methinks he has more potential in the 200.

If a guy runs 9.8, and he's a better 200 runner, why not 19.6? Here's hoping he does both, and stays healthy.

[gh]

Re: Justin Gatlin

After having seen him effortlessly move away from a decent world-class field in the World Indoor 60, and having seen him float through a 19.86w two years ago, there's no doubt in my mind that he's a 9.8/19.6 guy.

(And like Henry Carr/Tommie Smith, you don't even want to think about what he can do in the 400.)

[eldrick]

Re: Justin Gatlin

Gatlin from his indoor form is in 9.87-9.95 form outdoors (mathematically) - depending on whether he has Mo's speed maintenance(9.87) or if he has "typical" ~ 10s maintenance(9.95).

currently i'd reckon he's a 9.92-9.94 guy.

i have no idea what he can do over 200,but his possibilities are limitless

[BillVol]

Re: Justin Gatlin

Consider also his dramatic improvement in what would have to be considered his worst sprint event, the 60m. I'm no expert, but it seems like his height and somewhat slower turnover would hinder him in the 60. But all of a sudden he's the world champ.

I agree that the 200 is Gatlin's best event. I also think he's capable of 19.6 range. Too bad about this injury, but he'll get over it. He's a classic, textbook sprinter and is being expertly coached.

Re: Justin Gatlin

Is Gatlin really being expertly coached? OR was he, like Tim and Marion, just fast to begin with?

[BillVol]

Re: Justin Gatlin

That's a good point you make, BG. I guess like any sport, you have to have the talent first. But I'm sure coaching does make some difference. Although, as far as track goes (especially sprinting), I'm not sure how much.