By Andrew Bet
With the U.S. Olympic Trials approaching, sprinter Justin Gatlin is looking to find his form again. An ankle injury has kept him from performing at his best. Gatlin will continue to heal as he prepare for the 100 meters at the 42nd Prefontaine Classic Saturday at Hayward Field.
With a field featuring four newcomers along with fellow American Tyson Gay and Jamaican Asafa Powell, Gatlin is focused on his recovery and preparation as he looks to represent the U.S. at the Olympics in Rio.
“It feels good. It feels strong,” he said. “I got my balance back for both sides, so now it’s just kind of like a chain reaction between making sure the quads and hamstrings and hips are all in line. The last couple months I’ve been running on a bum ankle. My body has kind of like countered the effects of it and has an awkward run to it. I’m trying to get my run and technique back in order.”
In order for Gatlin to have a solid race, he said he needs to find a balance.
“You don’t want to take too much away from your start trying to have a powerful finish because now you’re behind,” he said. “You’ve got to find a good solid start and have a good strong finish. Right now it’s working on my finish as well.
The final 20 meters of the race is the finish Gatlin is working on. While speed is the main factor to clock the best time, Gatlin said sprinters can’t get too greedy. What’s important for him is to maintain his technique while in control with his speed.
Gay and Powell will most certainly push Gatlin. All three have won the 100 meters at the Pre Classic, with Gatlin winning four. Powell is looking for his first sub-10 clocking after opening 2016 with a 10.04. Gay won the event last year and owns the fastest record set at Hayward Field with 9.68 (wind-aided) at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials.
As he prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games, Gatlin is grateful to have an opportunity to run on home soil with the Pre Classic.
“It’s an honor,” he said. “Hayward Field has always been a special place for me from college to going professional. It’s one place you have to prepare yourself for. Usually the two weeks going into Pre you try to have the best training possible getting ready for the trials or Olympics.”
