Justin Gatlin Stuns Usain Bolt in Rome

by LetsRun.com
June 6, 2013

Really? I Lost? Really? I Lost?

Justin Gatlin talked **** all week, but then he backed it up once the gun was fired as he stunned Usain Bolt in the Rome Golden Gala tonight by winning the men’s 100 in 9.94 to Bolt’s 9.95.

Full race video below for those in the US. UK visitors click here to watch.

Article continues below player.

Quick Take (QT) #1: Bolt has no excuses here. His start was fantastic. Afterwards, Bolt even told the BBC it was ‘perfect.’

“I got the perfect start. About five steps in I stumbled a bit,” said Bolt. The stats confirmed that Bolt’s reaction time of .143 was the best in the field.

If there was a slight stumble, we didn’t notice it and regardless there was plenty of time for Bolt to, well be Bolt, but that never materialized. He simply was unable to pull away from Gatlin.

Bolt didn’t seem too upset by the loss.

“I guess I just have to do more strength work. I think it’s just time to get it back together. Each season goes back to ground zero,” said Bolt when asked what he needs to do to get back to his winning ways before quipping, “At least, I got under ten seconds this time.”

QT #2: By his lofty standards, this is the second straight poor showing for Bolt at 100m. Remember, he ran 10.09 on May 8th. That being said, he is moving in the right direction though and this loss will certainly keep him motivated for the rest of the season.  In many ways, this loss might be good for Bolt (keeps him hungry) and the sport (keeps it interesting).

QT #3: Giving his doping ban, many in the sport aren’t fans of Justin Gatlin. It would be great to see the ultimate professional Tyson Gay knock him of his pedestal at USAs.

QT #4: Below the results, you can see a screen shot of the race on the left or watch a full replay on the right.

More: MB: Gatlin 9.94 over Bolt in Rome

Wind:+0.8
RANK ATHLETE NATION RESULT REACTION TIME DIAMOND POINTS DIAMOND RANKING
1
USA
9.94
0.163
4
1
img
2
JAM
9.95
SB
0.143
3
FRA
10.02
=PB
0.199
4
USA
10.04
0.198
2
3
5
SKN
10.07
0.211
6
USA
10.08
SB
0.198
7
USA
10.29
0.210
8
ITA
10.29
0.156
9
QAT
10.40
0.165

Usain Bolt loses

 

Related
Want More? Join The Supporters Club Today
Support independent journalism and get:
  • Exclusive Access to VIP Supporters Club Content
  • Bonus Podcasts Every Friday
  • Free LetsRun.com Shirt (Annual Subscribers)
  • Exclusive Discounts
  • Enhanced Message Boards