Even before this week’s announcement that the 2020 Olympics would be postponed until 2021, the sand in Justin Gatlin’s competitive hourglass was running out.
The 38-year-old Gatlin, a five-time Olympic medalist and the reigning world champion in the 100 meters, had considered retiring after Tokyo. But now that the Games have been pushed back, Team USA’s most decorated male track athlete has 2021 on his mind. Along with coronavirus and social distancing.
This conversation was edited for clarity and length.
Simon Bruty
SI: Where are you now?
Justin Gatlin: Clermont [Florida].