Gatlin arrives in Daegu with frostbite
Source: Agencies |
August 25, 2011, Thursday
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BLISTERED and scarred, American sprinter Justin Gatlin arrived at the world championships in Daegu, South Korea, with frostbite on both feet.
The 2004 Olympic champion, who last year made his return to competition after serving a four-year doping ban, said yesterday he got frostbite about two weeks ago after going into a cryogenic chamber with wet socks. He didn't lose any toes and will still compete but his wounds are not completely healed.
"You wake up at 9 o'clock in the morning in Orlando and it's already 90 degrees (32C)," said the 29-year-old Gatlin, who lives and trains in Florida. "So we're already hot, drenched with sweat. Get in the booth, socks were wet, socks froze to me instantly. Before I even came here it was like walking on fiery pins and needles," Gatlin said.
Athletes use cryogenic chambers to cool their muscles after a hard workout. Instead of ice packs, the chamber works faster and covers the entire body.
But instead of being worried about his ailment ahead of a possible showdown with world-record holder Usain Bolt in the 100 meters, Gatlin is using the setback as inspiration.
"Honestly, it's just the universe telling me, 'How much do you really want this?'" Gatlin said. "'If you really want this then I'm going to put these obstacles in your way and see how man enough you're going to be to overcome them.'"
Gatlin said the pain from the frostbite has subsided and the injury hasn't affected his stride. But it is still bothersome because the wounds on his heels are near the level where his socks sit and where the back of his running spikes touch.
Scabby scars
"It's better than it was. It was all pussed up and blistered. It bubbled up and it stayed bubbled up for a good four or five days," Gatlin said, lifting up his pants to reveal the scabby scars that resemble big blisters.
"This is the best it's looked, the best it's felt. The confidence in me is rising. I'm getting ready to get out there and burn the track."
He's going to need confidence coming up against Bolt and Asafa Powell. They're the three favorites to medal in the 100, and Powell has the fastest time this year at 9.78. Bolt holds the world record at 9.58.
Gatlin ran 9.95 to finish second at the US Championships.
Before Bolt arrived on the scene, the sprint world was all about Gatlin and Powell. Gatlin won the 100 at the 2003 indoor worlds, and followed that with an Olympic gold at the 2004 Athens Games.
"It almost came to a screeching halt," said Gatlin, who maintains his positive doping test from 2006 was the result of some testosterone-like cream that was massaged into his legs. "It was night and day for me. Now I'm trying to get back to where I need to get to, which is being successful on the track."
His first chance to get back there will start on Saturday in the 100 heats. The final is set for Sunday.
The 2004 Olympic champion, who last year made his return to competition after serving a four-year doping ban, said yesterday he got frostbite about two weeks ago after going into a cryogenic chamber with wet socks. He didn't lose any toes and will still compete but his wounds are not completely healed.
"You wake up at 9 o'clock in the morning in Orlando and it's already 90 degrees (32C)," said the 29-year-old Gatlin, who lives and trains in Florida. "So we're already hot, drenched with sweat. Get in the booth, socks were wet, socks froze to me instantly. Before I even came here it was like walking on fiery pins and needles," Gatlin said.
Athletes use cryogenic chambers to cool their muscles after a hard workout. Instead of ice packs, the chamber works faster and covers the entire body.
But instead of being worried about his ailment ahead of a possible showdown with world-record holder Usain Bolt in the 100 meters, Gatlin is using the setback as inspiration.
"Honestly, it's just the universe telling me, 'How much do you really want this?'" Gatlin said. "'If you really want this then I'm going to put these obstacles in your way and see how man enough you're going to be to overcome them.'"
Gatlin said the pain from the frostbite has subsided and the injury hasn't affected his stride. But it is still bothersome because the wounds on his heels are near the level where his socks sit and where the back of his running spikes touch.
Scabby scars
"It's better than it was. It was all pussed up and blistered. It bubbled up and it stayed bubbled up for a good four or five days," Gatlin said, lifting up his pants to reveal the scabby scars that resemble big blisters.
"This is the best it's looked, the best it's felt. The confidence in me is rising. I'm getting ready to get out there and burn the track."
He's going to need confidence coming up against Bolt and Asafa Powell. They're the three favorites to medal in the 100, and Powell has the fastest time this year at 9.78. Bolt holds the world record at 9.58.
Gatlin ran 9.95 to finish second at the US Championships.
Before Bolt arrived on the scene, the sprint world was all about Gatlin and Powell. Gatlin won the 100 at the 2003 indoor worlds, and followed that with an Olympic gold at the 2004 Athens Games.
"It almost came to a screeching halt," said Gatlin, who maintains his positive doping test from 2006 was the result of some testosterone-like cream that was massaged into his legs. "It was night and day for me. Now I'm trying to get back to where I need to get to, which is being successful on the track."
His first chance to get back there will start on Saturday in the 100 heats. The final is set for Sunday.
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