Usain Bolt accuses Justin Gatlin of disrespect
By Claire Corkery
Last Updated: 23/07/16 1:35pm
Usain Bolt has hit out at sprint rival Justin Gatlin after the American criticised him for missing the Jamaican trials with a hamstring injury.
Bolt, who received a medical exemption from the trials, won his final race before Rio on Friday, clocking 19.89 seconds over 200 metres at the Anniversary Games in London.
However, Gatlin was one of a number of United States sprinters who claimed the Jamaican had received preferential treatment in missing the trials, which he claimed he would not have received if he were American.
"He's injured, gets a medical pass, that's what his country does. Our country doesn't do that," Gatlin was quoted as saying in the American press.
The six-time Olympic champion responded to the comments made about him by Gatlin, after the comfortable victory proved his fitness for Rio 2016, which starts in less than two weeks.
"For me I felt it was a joke, I felt it was a disrespect they think I'd back out of a trials," Bolt said.
"I've proven myself year on year that I'm the greatest. I laughed when I heard it, I was disappointed, especially in Justin Gatlin."
Gatlin won two silver medals at the World Championships in Beijing last year in the 100m and 200m, finishing behind Bolt in both events.
