Athletics: Gatlin Still Confident Of Beating Usain Bolt

Justin Gatlin believes he can still beat sprint rival Usain Bolt, despite two defeats by the Jamaican at the recent World Championships in Beijing.

The American, 33, has run personal bests for the 100m and 200m this season - and says he can still go faster.

"Each year in the last three years I just focus on being a better athlete and trying to improve and that has shown in my performances," he said.

World Championships 2015: Bolt Beats Gatlin In 200m Men's Final

Usain Bolt won the rematch and 200m gold as he ran a wonderful bend to once again leave rival Justin Gatlin chasing silver and fresh air.

On a sweaty, sticky night in the Bird's Nest, Bolt was out of the blocks quicker and opened up an unassailable lead over the first 100m before coming away down the straight and jabbing his thumbs at his chest as he crossed the line.

His 19.55 seconds was the fastest in the world this year, his speed and peerless championship class too good for American Gatlin, whose 19.74 was well outside his season's best.

World Championships 2015: Bolt & Gatlin Qualifies For 200m Men's Final

The Usain Bolt v Justin Gatlin re-match is on after both men dominated their semi-finals to charge into Thursday's 200m final.

Bolt, looking to retain his other individual sprint title after that extraordinary 100m victory here in the Bird's Nest, looked to be saving his strength for the next showdown as he eased off in 19.95 seconds.

Gatlin, comfortably the fastest man in the world this year over 200m, as he was over 100m, ran a controlled 19.87 as he seeks revenge for his shock defeat on Sunday night.

Video: Watch Usain Bolt's 100m Race Win At The World Championships 2015

              
It looked like Gatlin was going to win but the never say die Usain came forward and stole the gold with just a second, just a second......Gatlin must be really pained and has you can see the Jamaicans continued the noise, they know Bolt doesn't disappoint.. i just love this guy, he;s great, very great.

World Championships 2015: Usain Bolt Wins Hardest 100m Career Race

Usain Bolt has described his World Championships 100m final victory over Justin Gatlin as the "hardest race" of his career. The Jamaican, 29, lived up to his billing as the saviour of athletics as he held off the challenge of the two-time drug cheat to win in 9.79 seconds. Pre-race favourite Gatlin had to settle for silver in Beijing.

"Coming back from injury I've had a lot of doubters, it's been tough," Bolt said after winning a ninth world title.

He added: "For me to come to the championships and defend my title is a good feeling.

World Championships: Bolt, Gatlin Rivalry Will Light Up Event

Usain Bolt and the controversial Justin Gatlin will get the world championships off to an explosive start when they take their rivalry onto the Beijing track in the 100m heats on Saturday, AFP reports.

Bolt has dominated sprinting since he claimed a golden treble at the Beijing Olympics in the Bird’s Nest stadium, winning nine of 10 individual world and Olympic sprint titles since 2008 — his sole blip being the 100m at the Daegu worlds in 2011.

America’s Gatlin is the man in form but he cuts a contentious figure after serving two doping bans, latterly between 2006-2010 after a positive test for testosterone.