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Justin Gatlin's father hits out at booing fans

USA's Christian Coleman, (bronze)  USA's Justin Gatlin (gold)  and Jamaica's Usain Bolt (bronze)  with their medals in the Men's 100m during day three of t
Image: Justin Gatlin (C) was booed by sections of the crowd when he received his 100m gold medal

The father of 100m world champion Justin Gatlin has criticised the fans at the Olympic Stadium who booed his son.

The athlete, twice banned for doping offences, stunned the world when he won the title on Saturday and left Usain Bolt trailing in third place in his final individual race before retirement.

Gatlin was booed after the race at the London Stadium on Saturday night and was again jeered by sections of the crowd when he returned to receive his medal from IAAF President Lord Coe on Sunday.

His father Willie Gatlin was not impressed and said: "The people booing need to read the reports. He has never committed a crime. They need to go and look at what was said.

"He is very strong and can deal with it. Only here. He only gets it here."

IAAF President Lord Sebastian Coe gives the gold medal to USA's Justin Gatlin (right) for the Men's 100m Final during day three of the 2017 IAAF World Cham
Image: IAAF President Lord Coe presented Gatlin with his gold medal

Gatlin Sr believes his son has been fully rehabilitated and that he could be a role model for youngsters.

He added: "He gets invited into schools all the time and does lots of talks."

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Gatlin won the race in a season-best time of 9.92 secs ahead of Christian Coleman in second place (9.94) and Bolt who equalled his best time of the year (9.95).

United States' Justin Gatlin bows to Jamaica's Usain Bolt after winning the Men's 100 meters final during the World Athletics Championships in London Satur
Image: Gatlin paid tribute to Usain Bolt after beating the Jamaican sprint legend to gold

Lord Coe said it was "not the worst result ever" although he found it difficult to be eulogistic about Gatlin's success, and the man himself remained defiant.

Gatlin told reporters: "I'm just a runner. I'm back in the sport, I've done my time.

"I've come back, did community service, I talked to kids and inspired kids about the right path. That's all I can do."

Gatlin is due to meet Bolt again in the 4x100m relay, which starts on Saturday.

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