In the World Athletic Championships of 2017 which was held in London, in the finals of 100 meters sprint for men, the reigning world champion Usain Bolt was running his last race before retiring. From 2008 on wards, almost close to a decade, he has not lost a single 100 meter finals in any majors. He was the winner of the last 3 Olympics and last 3 world championships in 100 meters for men. This occasion was supposed to be a fairy tale end to a great career, probably the greatest among the all-time great sprinters.
In lane 8, 35 year old Justin Gatlin of USA was the runner. As soon as Gatlin stepped into the arena, the crowd started booing. He was booed every time he was introduced to the crowd at the London Stadium before in the 100m heats and semifinals. Justin Gatlin is a former Olympics champion of 2004 and World champion of 2005. Gatlin is also, the sport's most controversial drugs cheat. He was banned twice early in his career for doping offences. Gatlin, meanwhile was stoic and focused in the face of sustained booing, on that day inside the London stadium.
At the sound of the gun, when the sprinters came off the starting block, it was Justin Gatlin who blazed past the other sprinters to capture the gold. Usain Bolt didn't make it to even silver. He had to settle for Bronze. The great man's last race didn't follow a perfect script.
Gatlin, who at age 35 has long raced in Bolt’s shadow, reacted emotionally to the victory, letting loose a guttural roar as he saw the result flash on the scoreboard inside London Stadium.
 |
| Justin Gatlin reacts after he wins the race in front of the crowd who continuously booed him for his drug tainted past |
 |
| Despite clinching gold Justin Gatlin bows at the feet of Usain Bolt |
Amid his celebration, Gatlin took a moment to pay a tribute to Bolt who ran his final 100m race of his glittering career. Gatlin bowed to the Jamaican runner and then the pair hugged and congratulated each other.
2 great athletes showed to the world how to handle their moments of success, in their own way.
Usain Bolt, after an illustrious career, didn't get a sent off as expected, but he displayed his greatness by congratulating and supporting the winner while celebrating the end of his successful career.
Justin Gatlin, served his time, exorcised his dark past and delivered one of his best performances to upstage the crowd's favourite. In that moment of success against all odds, he never forgot to respect his opponent and displayed a humility which elevated him from a drugs cheat to a respectable sportsman.
