Justin Gatlin may have sensationally regained the world 100-meter title denying
superstar Usain Bolt a golden farewell but like the crowd at the London
Stadium the British press slammed the fact the former drugs cheat had
gatecrashed the party.
The 35-year-old American — the Olympic 100 champion in 2004 and world champion in 2005 (also winning the 200 world crown to achieve the
double) — showed great character to shut out the jeering to storm home
and beat young compatriot Christian Coleman and Bolt, who for once was
unable to find the gas to make up for a woeful start.
Some saw it as the ultimate redemption for Gatlin to have prevailed after serving a four-year ban — reduced from eight — from 2006-2010
having also been barred during his college days though his medication
was for his Attention Deficit Disorder.
“Take GAT — Usain Bolt sunk as drugs cheat Justin Gatlin ruins his golden goodbye,” headlined The Sun.
Never one to mince its words the newspaper described how Bolt received the adulation of the crowd whilst Gatlin — who had brought a
finger to his mouth after being named the winner to hush the crowd —
slunk off.
“Gatlin disappeared from view after a brief run down the home straight, but when he returned for interviews he was greeted with chants
of “cheat, cheat cheat” while he was live on air.”