So for those of you who are scratching your heads on who the heck is this Justin character, let Milly give you a rundown:
-Handsome guy who happens to be a track and field star. Face was on the Wheaties box as he claimed the "Fastest Man in the World" title in 2004 Olympic Games.
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| Back in his "GOLDEN BOY" days |
-Handsome dude gets smacked with a ban of 4 years after testing positive for a banned substance.... Holy Santa Claus shit!!
-Now a father, he has served his ban and like many athletes who have been shunned by the public eye for many years or months; picks up the pieces and trying to move forward on with his/her life.
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| Somebody's hitting the gym....gesh |
GOT THE RUNDOWN??? COOL....now for my rant on today's blog:
The track ban that prevents former Olympic champion Justin Gatlin from competing in main European events still stands despite his serving a four-year doping suspension.
Rajne Soderberg, the director of the Stockholm Diamond League event, said in an email Friday that the ban still holds. Euromeetings, the organization representing Europe's top track events, "will continue to recommend that members do not invite athletes who we believe cause disrepute to our meetings and our sport."
This includes Gatlin, but the policy doesn't cover venues outside Europe.
The American was one of the fastest men in the world when he failed a doping test in 2006 for excessive testosterone.
Gatlin is scheduled to run the 100 meters Saturday at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Ore. He was on the waiting list and recently added to the field when other sprinters dropped out. What the heck was up with that??
Tom Jordan, the meet director for the Prefontaine Classic, said Gatlin deserves his spot because his punishment has been served.
"It's not so much believing in second chances as much as the philosophy of our society, which is if you've paid your debt to society and you're considered eligible, then you should have the opportunity if you earn it," Jordan said.
Very true Mr. Jordan, Very much true. But I have something to say to Mr. Soderberg :
As a former track and field athlete myself, I looked up to figures like Mr. Gatlin. While in college (Univ of Texas alumni over HERE) ; I had the opportunity, to see Mr. Gatlin live in person. The true talent in front of my eyes were pure. So when the scandal broke out, I didn't believe it. Guess others wanted to see that cookie crumbled.
I truly believe that Mr. Gatlin is trying to move forward from his past. So why cant society?? Its so funny how a country that is soo adiment on moving forward, dont really like to show it.
....And thats is what's grinding my gears.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
