• London Olympics 2012

Gatlin calls Bolt out

ESPN staff
June 26, 2012
Justin Gatlin is targeting Usain Bolt's Olympic 100m title © Getty Images
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Justin Gatlin has promised to provide Usain Bolt with the challenge of his life for gold at London 2012 after booking his place at this summer's Games with victory in the 100 metres at the US Olympic trials.

Gatlin, who won gold at the 2004 Athens games but then missed Beijing in 2008 while serving a four-year doping ban, won in a time of 9.80s - a marker only bettered by Bolt so far this year.

Tyson Gay was a close second in 9.86s, with Ryan Bailey taking the third US spot as the top five across the line all broke the 10-second barrier at the trials in Oregon.

"We're going to go down there to take on the Jamaicans and anybody else who stands in our way," said Gatlin, who has previously traded verbal blows with Bolt, in the Sun.

"So if it's going to be three Jamaicans in our way or the whole world, that's what it's going to take to get gold."

Gatlin, now 30, added: "I have a lot left in the tank. This season so far has been undefeated and I'm just trying to ride that wave."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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