Justin Gatlin of the United States clinched a thrilling 100m race at the IAAF Diamond League that is being held in Belgium. The 33-year-old American finished the race with a timing of 9.98 seconds and got the nod ahead of Femi Ogunode of Qatar who completed the race with the same timing, BBC reports.
Also read: Justin Gatlin unofficially breaks Usain Bolt's 100m world record in 9.45 seconds
Jimmy Vicaut of France finished in third place with a time of 9.99 seconds. Despite finishing second best at the 100m, 200m and the 4x100m events at the recently-concluded World Championships, The American has personal best timings in the first as well as the second events for the current season.
Gatlin had the option of winning yet another medal on the night, but opted to skip the 200m event.
I can beat Bolt: Gatlin
Prior to the IAAF Diamond League, Gatlin had said that he still harbours hopes fo defeating Usain Bolt in the 100m and 200m competitions and felt that the difference between the two athletes is diminishing with each passing event.
"Each year in the last three years I just focus on being a better athlete and trying to improve and that has shown in my performances," he said, as quoted by BBC Sport.
"In 2014 I was inconsistent 9.8 shape and this year I've been pretty much consistently in 9.7 shape. Next season, I hope to do even better. It's just about growth and being there on the day to perform.
“The margin between us is getting smaller and smaller,” he added.
When asked for how much longer he was looking top continue in the sport, Gatlin said he didn't have any number in mind.
"It's not for me to say what you can and can't do at a particular age. I don't think I'm going to hit a limit like 'Uh! I'm 34 I can't learn anything anymore - I can't focus on being a better athlete'.
"I think a lot of athletes once they get into their mid-thirties they focus more on life and on having kids and a family - kind of more exiting out the game,” he concluded.
Bolt had earlier in the week announced that he would no longer compete in any other competitions in the year 2015.
