Results:
Gatlin earned the silver medal in the 100m dash
Gatlin advanced easily Tuesday morning in the 200m preliminaries with a time of 20.42. The semi-finals are set for Wednesday with the finals on Thursday night.
Watch the prelims here: http://stream.nbcolympics.com/track-and-field-day-11-morning?chrcontext=wbir
Story
Justin Gatlin’s training partners tease him about his grey hairs. His biggest rival, Usain Bolt, jokingly calls him “old man.” Critics wonder why, 12 years after winning the 2004 Olympic gold medal, he is running faster than ever at 34.
The former Tennessee sprinter simply laughs.
He proudly describes his grey hairs as his "source of wisdom." He refers to Bolt, who will turn 30 on the day of the Closing Ceremony, as "middle-aged man." And to his critics?
“You defeat them with success,” Gatlin said. “That’s how you retaliate.”
NBCOlympics.com spent an afternoon with Gatlin on sweltering day in late July, riding an air-conditioned luxury tour bus with the sprinter and his entourage as they made several pre-Olympic appearances in New York City.
Gatlin made it clear that he is not slowing down.
“The Justin now is superior to the Justin at this point in 2012,” Gatlin, the 2012 Olympic 100m bronze medalist, said after being honored on the steps of New York City Hall by Council Member Andy King. “I am a better athlete to be honest across the board.”
