He might have retired years back but Justin Gatlin is still remembered as one of the most accomplished sprinters but what do you know about his age, beating Usain Bolt, doping scandals, wife & net worth?
Justin Alexander Gatlin was born on February 10, 1982, in Brooklyn, New York, and is one of the most celebrated sprinters in history owing to his prowess in the 60, 100m and 200m.
Justin Gatlin was raised in Pensacola, Florida, Gatlin and attended the Woodham High School before he enrolled at the University of Tennessee, where he pursued a degree in psychology.
He started his career during his collegiate years where he was one of the most accomplished sprinters after securing six consecutive NCAA titles. This propelled him to turn professional in 2003.
One of his outstanding performances was winning the gold medal in the 100m at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and Noah Lyles became the first American to accomplish the win since then, thanks to his explosive run at the Paris Olympic Games.
He also won gold in the 100m and 200m at the 2005 World Championships and he has a personal best time of 9.74 seconds that ranks him fifth on the all-time list of male 100m sprinters.
His career has been one with numerous challenges due to doping violations but despite these setbacks, Gatlin has never shown any form of weakness throughout his career.
Justin Gatlin amassed a total of five Olympic medals and twelve World Championship medals. His journey, marked by extraordinary triumphs and notable challenges, offers a comprehensive narrative of perseverance, talent, and the complexities inherent in the life of a world-class athlete.
Justin Gatlin age
Justin Gatlin (USA), MAY 9, 2021 at the READY STEADY TOKYO event
Image source: Imago
Justin Gatlin was born on February 10, 1982, in Brooklyn, New York, and as of January 2025, he is 42 years old.
Gatlin announced retirement from professional athletics on his 40th birthday, February 10, 2022, closing the curtains on a career that spanned over two decades.
Throughout his time as an athlete, Justin Gatlin achieved significant milestones, including winning the gold medal in the 100m at the 2004 Athens Olympics and securing multiple World Championship titles.
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Elaine Thompson-Herah has been a victim of injuries and at one point in her career, she felt like there was no need to keep trying.
After his retirement, Gatlin has continued being involved in the sport and has expressed the desire to contribute to its growth and development.
Justin Gatlin beating Usain Bolt
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Justin Gatlin bows down in front of Usain Bolt World Athletics Championships London 2017
Image source: Imago
Justin Gatlin has notably defeated the fastest man alive Usain Bolt on two significant occasions. The first situation occurred on June 6, 2013, at the Diamond League Meeting in Rome.
In the race, the retired American sprinter edged out Usain Bolt, finishing first with a time of 9.94 seconds as the Jamaican legend came in second in a time of 9.95 seconds.
The defeat was a huge blow for Usain Bolt since he was the reigning Olympic champion then and Gatlin was one of his serial rivals.
The second and more prominent defeat took place on August 5, 2017, at the World Championships in London. The race would be Usain Bolt’s final individual race before retirement and Gatlin managed to make it memorable when he claimed the gold medal.
He clocked 9.92 seconds to cross the finish line first as Usain Bolt finished third in 9.95 seconds. Another American, Christian Coleman, settled for silver in the race.
The victories were significant not only for Gatlin’s personal achievements but also for the broader narrative of sprinting rivalries.
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Justin Gatlin ends up on the track in tears after his win beating Usain Bolt in the men’s 100m Final at the World Athletics Championships London 2017
Image source: Imago
Justin Gatlin has experienced a career marked by significant achievements and doping controversies. Despite his series of victories on the track, his reputation has been overshadowed by two doping bans that have sparked extensive debate within the athletics community.
In 2001, while attending the University of Tennessee, Justin Gatlin tested positive for amphetamines during a competition but he attributed the result to medication prescribed for attention deficit disorder (ADD), a condition he had been treated for since childhood.
Recognizing the legitimacy of his medical condition, World Athletics reduced his initial two-year ban to one year, allowing him to return to competition in 2002.
His second doping ban came in 2006 when he tested positive for testosterone or its precursors after a relay race in Kansas.
At the time, Justin Gatlin maintained his innocence and suggested that a massage therapist had sabotaged him by applying a testosterone-infused cream without his knowledge.
Since that would be the second doping violation that would lead to a lifetime ban, Justin Gatlin escaped that by cooperating with the authorities which led to a suspension of eight years, which was further decreased to four years upon appeal.
After serving his suspension, Justin Gatlin returned to competitive athletics in 2010 and secured a bronze medal in the 100m at the 2012 London Olympics and a silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
In 2017, at the age of 35, he won the gold medal in the 100m at the World Championships in London.
Despite his athletic accomplishments post-suspension including beating Usain Bolt, Justin Gatlin has had to deal with a lot of doubters regarding his performances.
Further controversy came about in 2017 when an undercover investigation caught up with members of his coaching team.
Justin Gatlin retirement
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Justin Gatlin (L) of team the United States reacts after the men’s 4×100 metres relay final of the World Athletics Championships Moscow 2013
Image source: Imago
On February 10, 2022, coinciding with his 40th birthday, Justin Gatlin announced his retirement from professional athletics. This led to the conclusion of a career marked by remarkable achievements and notable controversies.
He emerged as one of the most formidable sprinters in the early 2000s and he went on to claim the gold medal in the 100m at the 2004 Athens Olympics and secured multiple World Championship titles.
He has a personal best time of 9.74 seconds in the 100m, one of the fastest times in the history of 100m running. His career was also marred by doping violations.
In 2001, he received a two-year ban, later reduced to one year, for testing positive for amphetamines. He faced another setback in 2006 when he was handed a four-year suspension after testing positive for testosterone.
He returned to competition in 2010 and continued to perform at an elite level well into his late 30s. Justin Gatlin’s legacy in athletics is multifaceted. While his athletic prowess and longevity are commendable, his career serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding doping in sports.
Justin Gatlin wife
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Justin Gatlin, his wife and son
Image source: Justin Gatlin Facebook
Justin Gatlin has shared his life journey with his wife, Daynise Gatlin who is not always in the limelight. Their relationship began long before their marriage in 2010, marking over a decade of partnership.
Daynise has always been behind Justin Gatlin and has played an essential role in his career, offering all the support needed during his competitive victories and moments of controversy.
She was present when Justin Gatlin faced the backlash over the doping scandals and is a testament to their strong bond. When Justin Gatlin retired, Daynise’s support remained pivotal as he explored new ventures.
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Justin Gatlin and his wife
Image source: Justin Gatlin Instagram
Her quiet strength and dedication to her family illustrate the role she has played in Justin Gatlin’s success both on and off the track.
While the couple values their privacy, sharing very little information about their family to the media, their enduring partnership is a testament to the balance they’ve maintained between fame and family life
Justin Gatlin and Daynise have two children and they have proven to be committed to providing a nurturing environment for their children.
The Gatlins’ enduring relationship highlights the balance between a high-profile athletic career and a grounded family life.
Justin Gatlin Net worth
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Justin Gatlin wins the Diamond League Meeting in Rome
Image source: Imago
As of 2024, Justin Gatlin had an estimated net worth of approximately $3 million with the valuation reflecting on his earnings from his athletics career, endorsement deals, and various business ventures.
His accomplishments on the track not only ensured he earned higher prize money but also attracted lucrative sponsorships and endorsements.
His doping ban, however, made his face a significant setback and in a past interview, he admitted that meet organisers would allow him to run with lesser prize money and appearance fees or none at all.
The suspensions also impacted his marketability, leading to potential losses in sponsorships and earnings. After his retirement, Justin Gatlin has engaged in various endeavours including coaching and mentoring upcoming athletes adding to his income streams.
Additionally, his presence on social media platforms, such as Instagram and You Tube, allows him to maintain public engagement and explore opportunities for brand partnerships and promotions.
