Justin Gatlin has been making a comeback since serving a drugs ban from 2006 to 2010. His 100 meters win in Rome is proof of that.
Just yesterday, he crossed the finish time with a time of 9.91 seconds at the Golden Gala.
According to theAssociated Press, this is the second straight year that Gatlin has won the Golden Gala.
Gatlin’s biggest competitor has been Jamaica’s own Usain Bolt. Although Bolt did not compete in this year’s race, Gatlin faced Nesta Carter, another Jamaican.
“Racing against Nesta Carter and Usain Bolt means that I have to put together and complete a race in order to win.” Gatlin said.
Last year, Gatlin defeated Bolt in the 100 meters at the same race.
Gatlin was time in at 9.94 seconds, the Associated Press. He beat his own time by .3 seconds this year.
This success for Gatlin came after he reached a low point in his life after his 4 year doping suspension.
In an interview in with The Guardian, Gatlin said he was depressed and contemplated taking his own life.
“It’s a dangerous world out there,” Gatlin said. “But I’ve got the right people around me. People who care about me. People who believe in me.”
Gatlin took to Twitter to thank his fans for the support.
Thank you to all my fans and supports you all are awesome!!! X
— J GAT (@justingatlin) June 5, 2014
Image via Twitter from Justin Gatlin.