Gatlin still the world’s fastest man

Justin Gatlin added the world 100 metres title to his Olympic crown at the World Championships in Helsinki.

The 23-year-old American crossed the line in 9.88 seconds, a season’s best, ahead of Michael Frater of Jamaica and defending champion Kim Collins, who both clocked 10.05secs.

Although Gatlin’s winning margin was the biggest ever in the sprint final in world championship history, he insisted he could have produced a better performance.

“I could have gone even faster,” said Gatlin. “I messed up a couple of steps in the race.”

“I think I have a lot left in the tank. I reserved myself because I have a lot of rounds to run in the 200m.

“The target is two more golds. I just wanted to get the 100m out of the way and get ready for the 200m and the relay.”

The American had emerged as the clear favourite in the absence of world record holder Asafa Powell, who had been forced out by a groin injury.

Powell has travelled to Helsinki in a bid to recover in time for the 4x100m relay, for which Jamaica will have high hopes.

Although he insisted he could well have emerged triumphant had he competed, Powell acknowledged Gatlin’s achievement.

He said: “I’m quite confident I would have won but it might have been a great match-up. It was a good race anyway – I really respect him a lot. He is a good champion.”

Gatlin had imposed himself on the race at the halfway stage after Leonard Scott had made the early pace.

Gatlin surged ahead with Frater and Collins claiming surprise medals – the St Kitts and Nevis athlete having made the final after edging out Britain’s Jason Gardener by just one-hundredth of a second in the semi-finals and relegating Olympic silver medallist Francis Obikwelu to fourth.

Frater paid tribute to his training partner Powell, saying: “He was right there all the way with me from the first round. He’s a great friend and motivator. We are training partners and best friends.

“Justin is a very experienced runner. I think he was the only one who got a good start but he was also the only guy to beat me so I can’t complain.”