Justin Gatlin shines at US Olympic trials

Justin Gatlin powered to victory in the 200 meters at the US Olympic trials on Saturday as hurdler Aries Merritt’s fairytale comeback from a kidney transplant ended in disappointment.

Gatlin, 34, won a blistering duel with LaShawn Merritt to complete a sprint double following his win in the 100m on the opening weekend at Hayward Field.


Gatlin crossed the line in 19.75 seconds, holding off a late burst from LaShawn Merritt who came home in 19.79sec.

The 2004 Olympic 100m champion later revealed he had been troubled by niggling injuries throughout the meet.
“I’ve been dealing with ankle and quad injuries through this whole series of races,” Gatlin said.

“I just went out there and did what I had to do. My coach said ‘Just get out of the blocks, and stay out.’ My eyes got big and I just kept running as hard as I could,” he added.