Justin Gatlin, the American sprinting legend, has shared new insights into his second doping ban in 2006, discussing the immense challenges he faced upon returning to track and field in 2010. Reflecting on the difficult period in his career, Gatlin recalled how, after achieving global success, he suddenly became one of the most disliked sprinters worldwide.
Gatlin’s first doping ban came during his college years, but it was his second ban in 2006 that caused a significant public backlash. At the time, he had just won the Olympic gold medal in the 100m at the 2004 Athens Olympics and claimed both the 100m and 200m titles at the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki, earning widespread admiration from fans. However, everything changed when it was revealed that he had tested positive for testosterone or one of its precursors.
Following a lengthy appeal process, Gatlin received a four-year ban from the sport. During his suspension, he struggled with depression, admitting that track and field had been his entire life. The next four years were difficult, and Gatlin’s feelings of isolation were compounded by relentless public criticism.
“When I was out for those four years, it turned me into a man. I went through depression and I was out drinking every night… My name was constantly being dragged through the mud,” Gatlin shared in a conversation on the Run Your Race podcast.
Upon his return to the sport, Gatlin faced continued challenges. Despite his successes on the track, he had trouble finding financial support. He often raced without earning any prize money, and some promoters even allowed him to compete but made it clear that no payment would be provided, regardless of his performance.
“Social media wasn’t as big, but I couldn’t go anywhere without being labeled a drug cheat. Even the articles about me wouldn’t acknowledge my Olympic gold medal, just calling me a two-time drug cheat,” he explained. “Those four years were tough, but the next two were even harder because I was also black. I was back in the sport but couldn’t make any money, and I was flying to races without enough money to get home.”
Gatlin also expressed the additional hardships he faced in securing race opportunities, with some promoters refusing to let him compete and others offering him opportunities with no financial compensation. He continued to deal with public hatred until his retirement.
Reflecting on his earlier ban, Gatlin explained how he had never fully understood the consequences at the time. The doping violation was linked to his use of Adderall, a medication he had been taking for attention deficit disorder (ADD), which was not prohibited when he first began using it.
“When I got to college, I was a student first and then an athlete. But when I joined Team USA and World Athletics, I learned that certain substances were banned. Adderall wasn’t on the banned list when I was younger, but in college, I was banned from professional races for using it,” Gatlin recalled. “It devastated me because I loved track more than anything, and I wanted to pursue it professionally. After my sophomore year, I received a letter lifting the ban and allowing me to turn professional. But in 2006, I tested positive again, this time due to a mistake made by a therapist I was working with.”
