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In-form Gatlin wins 100m trials, headed to Rio for Bolt’s jugular

Justin Gatlin is headed back to the Olympics for a possible showdown with Usain Bolt.

The 2004 Olympic gold medalist is headed to Rio after winning the 100 metres at the United States Olympic trials on Sunday in Eugene, Oregon.

Gatlin ran a time of 9.80 seconds, becoming the oldest American to make an Olympic team in the 100m since 1912 at age 34.

Twenty-year-old Trayvon Bromell and 22-year-old Marvin Bracy also earned their places in Rio by finishing second and third.

Gatlin’s time was the fastest in the world this year, beating his 9.83 in the semi-final.

When asked about the possibility of meeting up with Bolt at the Olympics, Gatlin told NBC Sports he was just as concerned about keeping up with his young competitors.

“Anybody who steps on the line, I think the USA is ready,” Gatlin said. “We want to go 1-2-3.”

Bolt, Gatlin’s nemesis from Jamaica, pulled out of his country’s trials on Friday due to a hamstring injury, but there is still a good possibility that he will be in Rio when all is said and done.

“At the end of the day, when you command a certain power in track and field, you sometimes have to exercise it. I think that’s what he’s doing,” Gatlin said via ESPN on Saturday.

“He’s injured and he has a medical pass. That’s what his country does. Our country doesn’t do that. You’ve got to come to the line, come ready, and if you’re not ready that day, you’re not getting on the boat to get to the Olympics.”

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