Justin Galtin must copy British world indoor champion Dwain Chambers to repair his journey back from a long doping suspension.
That was the statement of the American sprinter’s new coach.
Great Britain disgraced sprinter Chambers returned from a two-year doping ban to become his country’s top sprinter – on his way to becoming the European and world indoor champion over 60 metres and Gatlin’s coach believes the former Olympic and world champion should look to the Englishman as a reference.
U.S. coach of the year Brooks Johnson was quoted as telling Reuters: “Chambers, right there in England, made a substantial comeback.
“If Justin does comparably as well, and I think he will, if not better, that would put him right there in the 100 (metres) game,” said Johnson, who became Gatlin’s coach this autumn.
“It’s not as if we are breaking new ground like Dwain did,” added the long-time coach, who also mentors 110 metres hurdles U.S. record holder David Oliver.
“There is a model of success out there. Just follow the (Chambers) model and get better at it.”
Gatlin, 28, recently returned from a four year suspension after testing positive in 2006 for excessive levels of the male sex hormone testosterone.
He returned to race in six low-key meetings in a busy summer after his ban.
