EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – Justin Gatlin considers himself an antsy person, finding it hard to wait early in the season for the fast times he hopes to have later in the year.
The 34-year-old American sprinter had no time goal coming into 100 meters Saturday in the Prefontaine Classic and came away with the victory in 9.88 seconds at Hayward Field.
Jamaica’s Asafa Powell was second in 9.94, and American Tyson Gay third in 9.98.
The 2004 Olympic champion in the 100, Gatlin won at the meet for the sixth time. Trying to stay focused on his race and his lane, he had a solid start and didn’t give up the lead after taking it early on.
Gatlin will return to Hayward in early July for the U.S. Olympic Trials, with hopes of qualifying for the American team that will compete in Rio de Janeiro.