The American sprint legend has shared bold ideas on enhancing track and field’s excitement through celebrations while urging patience with young athletes.
American sprint legend Justin Gatlin has voiced his opinion on ways to attract and retain fans in track and field.
The former Olympic and World Championship medalist believes that the sport could benefit from more engaging celebrations by athletes after the race.
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The veteran sprinter, who has witnessed the evolution of track and field firsthand, reflected on an outdoor track event in Boston where multiple-time Olympic medalist Noah Lyles displayed a unique celebration.
According to Gatlin, Lyles wished all competitors good luck before the race, crossed the finish line first, and then performed a playful “shooting” gesture as part of his post-race celebration.
“I also think about the time, I think it was outdoor Boston and Noah said good luck to everybody then crossed the finish line and then he shot everybody,” Gatlin said on his podcast Ready Set Go with Rodney Green.
“We as athletes in our sport need to take the celebration to a new level to where people be like, ‘You know what I’m gonna tune in just to watch to see what the celebration gonna be like.’”
Gatlin believes that celebrations should become an integral part of track and field, similar to touchdown dances in football or goal celebrations in soccer.
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By adding flair and creativity to their reactions after a victory, sprinters and other track stars could enhance audience engagement and generate excitement that extends beyond just the race itself.
The discussion surrounding track and field’s entertainment value comes at a time when the sport is seeking ways to broaden its fan base.
Beyond celebrations, Gatlin also spoke on another crucial topic: how young athletes are perceived and guided in their careers.
“You take these young athletes, you teach them what it is to be a professional athlete, the wins, the losses and please everybody stop saying and telling these young athletes, you’re the next great one, you’re the next Bolt, you the next Allyson or whoever else. It’s the fact of they have the capabilities of doing it, they have a high percentage of doing it of being able to make their mark the same way. Let them walk their path, let them run their path,” Gatlin expressed.
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He acknowledges that while young athletes may possess the potential to reach greatness, it is crucial for them to develop at their own pace.
He urged fans, coaches and the media to give emerging stars the space to grow without the constant comparisons.
