Three Eng meets for Gatlin

2006-04-11 15:28

London - Olympic and world 100m champion Justin Gatlin said on Tuesday he'll race three times in England as part of his European outdoor track season.

Gatlin will race his first European meet of the season in Gateshead, northern England, on June 11. His other races will be on July 28 at the Crystal Palace track in London and at the Aug 19-20 meet in Birmingham.

"Last year I won the 100m at Crystal Palace in 9.89 seconds, which is the fastest time ever in Great Britain," Gatlin said. "I can't wait to see what I can do this time."

Gatlin said he would also aim to break the world record held by Asafa Powell of Jamaica. Powell ran 9.77 seconds last year in Athens.

"With no world championships this year, running fast times is going to be even more important, so I think it would be a great time to try for the 100m world record. I'm the world champion so of course I want the world record," Gatlin said.

Gatlin is also the 200 world champion.

- AP