American Justin Gatlin, the fastest man at the Doha Diamond League meeting in the 100m, said he had trusted his ability to win the race and take first place, adding that the competition was not easy and that focus was high among the competitors as they sought a good start to the season, especially with three more Diamond League meetings still to come before the 100m diamond trophy is decided. He said he was focusing more on excelling in Doha as an ideal start for the World Championships, noting that he is always optimistic about competing in Doha and keen to take part, considering it a benchmark for the level of competition among champions, given that the season begins in Qatar.
Gatlin said that when he wins in Doha, he goes undefeated for the entire season, which has happened to him more than once — last season he won in Doha and went on to win all 15 races he ran without a single defeat.
Gatlin hoped for a special start to the season, especially as it is a World Championship year, and said he would make sure to be ready for the big challenge in China. The American champion praised the Qatari organisation of the meeting, saying it was nothing new for Qatar, “as everyone is now a professional in athletics,” in the words of the current fastest man in the sport.
