Kingston (Jamaica), April 30 (IANS/CMC) Top American sprinter Justin Gatlin is aiming to run a faster time when he competes in the 100 metres event at the IAAF World Challenge Jamaica International Invitational Saturday.
Gatlin faces a number of top local and international athletes, who have secured lanes in the men’s 100m at the National Stadium.
“I have watched, over the years, a lot of athletes open up in Jamaica and run fast times. So I am looking forward to doing well there,” said Gatlin, the 2012 London Olympics 100m bronze and 2013 World Championships silver medallist.
Saturday’s race will be the 32-year-old athlete’s first 100m of the season after opening up with a 200m in Florida April 19 with a 20.55 seconds.
Gatlin ended last season with his second fastest time of 9.85 seconds — not very far from his 9.79 personal best.
“I will be in Jamaica and I am just really looking forward to getting things going there. They say I have a lot of fans in Jamaica so hopefully I will see it there but it should be a very good race,” said Gatlin, who won the 2004 Athens Games 100m gold.
Gatlin’s biggest challenge is expected to come from Jamaica’s Nesta Carter, who finished just behind him in the bronze medal spot at the World Championships. In 11 meetings over the 100m, Gatlin has beaten Carter seven times.
Also confirmed for the men’s 100m is American Walter Dix and Jamaica’s Olympic and World Championships 200m medallist Warren Weir.
–IANS/CMC
ss/dg