University of Tennessee Athletics
Former Vol Gatlin Becomes Champion of The World
March 15, 2003 | Men's Track
March 15, 2003
BIRMINGHAM, England -- Making his first international appearance for Team USA and only his third appearance as a professional, former Vol Justin Gatlin hushed a partisan British crowd with his decisive 6.46 second win in the 60 meter dash to highlight day one of competition in the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Birmingham, England Friday.
Gatlin, who at this time last year had just completed the NCAA Indoor 60m and 200m dash sweep in Fayetteville, Ark., grabbed the title of World Champion. As the news trickled into Fayetteville and throughout the crowd at the NCAA Indoors, his former teammates were elated, but not altogether surprised that the former Vol has turned the professional sprint world on its ear in just three meets.
Gatlin, who now runs for Nike, got out of the blocks well and was never really challenged as he raced to the third straight world indoor men's 60 gold for Team USA.
"It makes me really happy to be champion of the world," Gatli said. "I think I have surprised a lot of people here today." The 21-year-old was only .01 off his own world leading mark for 2003 and won by .07 seconds over former TCU runner Kim Collins of St. Kitts. Britain's Jason Gardener, the local favorite, claimed bronze in 6.55.
