Gatlin Doubled Up In Back-To-Back Years

Justin Gatlin of Tennessee ran straight into the record books at the 2002 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Gatlin became the seventh man in meet history to win both the 100 and 200 meters twice. Since the last pair of double-doubles came 45 years earlier, there were some significant differences for Gatlin’s accomplishment as the NCAA Outdoor Championships evolved.

The most noticeable change was that the other six competed before relays were on the NCAA program, and Gatlin was looked upon in both the 4×100 and 4×400 races as the defending champion Volunteers were locked in a team battle with host LSU.

It was a relay, in fact, that was Gatlin’s first final on Friday night – 4×100. It also featured a potent LSU foursome headlined by Bennie Brazell and Walter Davis. Gatlin – already the year’s fastest sprinter at 10.05 and 19.86 – scorched the backstretch, as usual, but LSU won over runner-up Clemson and the third-place Vols, 38.48 to 38.82 and 38.83, respectively, though both LSU and Tennessee had handoff issues on the final two exchanges.

By this point, Gatlin had six races in his legs with three still to go for Saturday – the 100 and 200 finals, plus the 4×400. Gatlin stormed to victories in the 100 (10.22 into a 2.7 m/s wind) and 200 (20.18 into a 2.9 m/s wind) in the span of 40 minutes.

Some 30 minutes later, came a rare sight – a 100-meter champ lining up for the 4×400. With Tennessee trailing LSU 58-53, every point was crucial and Gatlin was a late substitution. Gatlin didn’t disappoint, bringing his team from last into contention with an impressive 44.7 split on the third leg.

Alas, it was not enough. Tennessee finished fifth in the race as LSU won the team crown, 64-57.

“I love my team to death,” Gatlin said of his Vol teammates. “We’ll be back ready to fight again.”

Unfortunately, that 4×400 leg turned out to be the last collegiate race of Gatlin’s career, as the sophomore turned pro shortly afterwards. His career is still running and includes gold medals in 2004 (Olympic 100) and 2017 (World Championships 100).