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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Justin Gatlin of the United States is congratulated by Usain Bolt of Jamaica following his win in the Men’s 100 metres final in 9.92 seconds during day two of the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships London 2017 at The London Stadium on August 5, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Justin Gatlin of the United States is congratulated by Usain Bolt of Jamaica following his win in the Men’s 100 metres final in 9.92 seconds during day two of the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships London 2017 at The London Stadium on August 5, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Olympic beast Usain Bolt has had his share fair of rivalries. However, he has revealed that he considers American sprinter Justin Gatlin as the biggest of them all.
Rivalries play an important role in any athlete’s career. They not only give you competition but constantly push you to be better.
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In a recent interview, Bolt has revealed how big a part Gatlin played in his career. He also mentions other significant rivalries that always kept him motivated.
Justin Gatlin kept Bolt constantly motivated
Bolt has revealed that Galin has always been in really good shape and kept him on his toes. Gatlin was there every season, and this meant that Bolt had to keep working hard in order to remain at the top.
As a rival. Gatlin played a key role in Bolt’s career, acting as a motivating factor.
“Justin Gatlin played a very important role in keeping me motivated because he kept me on my toes he kept me working out,” said Bolt.
He added that because he knew Gatlin was going to be there, it made him work extra hard. Bolt knew that even if he let it easy for a moment, Gatlin would get ahead of him.
“He kept me knowing that every season he’s going to be there if I want to be the best I have to be ready and be prepared to beat him.”
Bolt had previously also mentioned that it is Gatlin’s attitude and mental preparation, which makes him the toughest rival.
Both Gatlin and Bolt share mutual respect and admiration for each other. When Justin Gatlin won the 100m in Beijing 2016, he bowed down to Usain Bolt. Even he acknowledged Bolt as a legend.
How top rivals helped Usain Bolt in his career
Usain Bolt also mentioned some other rival sprinters, all of whom helped Bolt give his best to the competition. He mentioned Tyson Gay, Yohan Blake, and Asafa Powell, along with Gatlin.
“The rivalries were strong and for me Tyson and Justin and Asafa and Blake, they really pushed me through my career to stay on top of my game at all times to be the best me,” said Bolt.
These athletes, who are themselves great sprinters, helped bring out the best in Usain Bolt, making him the legend that he is today. This proves that rivals are not always enemies, but also those who help you become a better version of yourself.
READ MORE: ?He was Always Ready?: Usain Bolt Chooses his Toughest Rival
