Gatlin completes world sprint double
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-08-12 09:31

HELSINKI, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Justin Gatlin declared himself 'King of sprints' after becoming only the second man to win the world 100 and 200 metres titles on Thursday. Gatlin clocked 20.04 seconds to lead the first 200 metres medals sweep in the 22-year history of the championships.

Wallace Spearmon was second in 20.20 and defending champion John Capel edged compatriot Tyson Gay on the line for the bronze in 20.31.

American Maurice Greene, who won both races at the 1999 Seville world championships, is the only other man to have won the double.

"Double gold means I consider myself right now to be King of sprints," an ecstatic Gatlin told reporters.

"When I came off the turn I was going to gun it, that's what I did then I had to have enough in the tank at the end.

"It's a little bit of a bitter-sweet moment -- we're making history but at the same time one guy didn't medal," the 23-year-old Olympic 100 metres champion added.

"Tyson will come back stronger. He's a great runner."

Abandoning his usual ploy of a late surge, Gatlin was slightly ahead coming off the bend as the Americans formed a line across the middle of the track.

Spearmon, fastest in the world this year, pulled clear of Capel and Gay in the final 50 metres but Gatlin knew he had the title after looking to his left and checking on his team mate's position.

'GREAT CHAMPION'

"Even at the trials we've never quite seen anything like that," Capel said. "All the red, white and blue coming around the corner like that -- all in a straight line, all in stride, all in unison."

"It was something great to see."

Paying tribute to his successor, Capel said: "I didn't think he had it in him at the beginning of the rounds but he stepped up and did exactly what he was supposed to do. He's a great champion."

The four Americans hugged before setting off on a lap of honour.

Gatlin, who won the 100 title by the biggest margin in the championships' history on Sunday, endeared himself to the Finnish crowd by carrying their flag as well as the Stars and Stripes.

Olympic champion Shawn Crawford pulled out of the U.S. team to concentrate on the 100 metres because of a foot injury. He was replaced by Spearmon who finished fourth at the national trials.

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