Justin Gatlin the world’s best sprinter has announced his retirement

On Thursday, US sprinting legend Justin Gatlin announced his retirement from athletics, hanging up his spikes after a career marred by doping scandals that included an Olympic gold medal also multiple world titles.

The 40-year-old veteran, Justin won gold in the 100m at the 2004 Olympics in Athens announced his retirement in an Instagram post titled “Dear Track.”

“I have loved your track; you have brought me tears of sadness and joy, also you have familiarized me with lessons that I will never forget,” Gatlin wrote.

“The torch has been passed, but the love endures; on your mark, get set… Gone!”

Gatlin’s retirement had been long anticipated. Last year, he attempted to allow for the Olympics in Tokyo but was sidelined by a hamstring injury. Following his victory at the London World Championships, the medal ceremony produced breathtaking scenes, with fans booing the American while chanting the name of beaten rival Bolt.

“It hurt because I’m not there for myself,” Gatlin later explained. “I’m up there to represent my country. I’m up there for my fans. I didn’t do it for the sake of it. I wasn’t there for myself, especially at the start.”

Even World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe couldn’t hide his displeasure with Gatlin’s victory in London. Saying dryly that he was “not eulogistic at the thought of somebody who has served two bans in our sport walking away with one of the biggest prizes our sport has to offer.”

On the other hand, Gatlin insisted that he had done his time and deserved a second chance.

“I sincerely apologize for any wrongdoing I’ve brought to the sport,” he said in 2017. “I enjoy the game…I’ve worked hard to the right my wrongs.”