In the world of track and field, few rivalries have been as compelling as the one between Justin Gatlin and Asafa Powell.
The mid-2000s track and field seasons were defined by the electrifying performances of Gatlin and Powell. Their rivalry was marked by a series of record-breaking runs that captivated fans, even in an era without the amplifying power of social media.
Powell set the stage in 2005 with a blistering 9.768 seconds in the 100m. Gatlin responded ten months later with an even faster 9.766, only for Powell to reclaim the record just 30 days later with a time of 9.763. This back-and-forth battle showcased their extraordinary talent and competitive spirit.
Years after their storied rivalry, both sprinters have retired and found new avenues to share their experiences. On Gatlin’s Ready Set Go podcast, the two legends reflected on their time at the pinnacle of sprinting.
“For me, it was a special moment and I was honoured to be part of like achieving it first of all and being in a situation that most likely will never happen again,” Gatlin shared.
Powell, on the other hand, revealed a mixture of admiration and frustration at Gatlin’s constant presence on his heels.
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“If we had social media back in the day to really register what was happening. We are the same age and many people were pitting us to go against each other. I remember a race in Rome where we both ran 10.13. It was crazy,” said Powell.
The Jamaican sprinter recalled the intensity of their rivalry, “You went to another meet and you ran 10.9 and you still ran the same, and it was like, ‘man, this guy’.”
Their rivalry reached memorable peaks at various meets. Powell reminisced about the Prefontaine Classic, where both sprinters finished the race together with a time of 9.84 seconds.
“That was the first time we ran against each other and we recorded 9.84. I left for Europe and then broke the world record in Athens.”
Despite the fierce competition, there was mutual respect and acknowledgment of each other’s talents.
Powell noted, “After this man ran 9.77, it was like ‘what is going on?’ But it was a serious rivalry and I enjoyed it. I had no fear, Justin had no fear. I did not know him that well but I knew it was a rivalry.”
