With a very impressive record in track and field, Justin Gatlin is planning to come back after a 4 year ban on his steroid use. Some of his great achievements include winning six NCAA titles before turning pro in 2002. After 2 years he compete in the Athens Olympics where he got the gold for 100-meter. He tied the then-world record in the same event with 9.77 at a meet in Qatar in 2006.

His good record was tainted when he was tested positive for steroids which caused his suspension and losing his medal. When Gatlin was required to undergo a blood test in a Kansas Relays, the results showed traces of testosterone and steroid precursors. That was when he was working with Coach Graham who was also the trainer of suspended Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery. Graham was recently convicted of making false statements to federal agents.

In a report from nydailynews.com, Gatlin was seen training again in Morehouse College Relays in Atlanta together with a small group of athletes which are battling in the decathlon. The former Olympic gold medalist still draws attraction in the field. He was easily noticed by other athletes and students of the college. At the practice, other athletes turned into expectators as Gatlin explodes again and showed that he is still an Olympian. Gatlin said that the track is his home and it is where he belongs.

Originally, Gatlin’s ban is for 8 years but early last year, it was reduced to 4 years by a USADA arbitration panel. Some of the reasons considered by the panel is Gatlin’s claim that his positive test in college was due to Attention Deficit Disorder medication that he was taking that time. He also assisted the federal BALCO investigation in late 2006 against his trainer Graham. He helped federal investigators to secretly tap the phone calls of Graham and providing testimonies against his former coach.

When he was tested positive in a steroid test, USADA gave him a lifetime ban. He denied that he knowingly took steroids but claims that a vengeful masseuse rubbed him with a steroid cream moments before visiting doping control at Kansas. It was a claim originally made by his former Coach Trevor Graham. But USADA change their decision, instead they offered an 8 year ban with an option to appeal if Gatlin aknowledges the previous positive test for Adderal. Adderal which is used for ADD contains amphetamines.

Gatlin knows that when he come back in 2010 after his suspension, USADA will be closely monitoring him. He knows that he will be closely watched and subjected to frequent test by USADA. The most difficult thing is the treatment and perception of other athletes. “I’m gonna come back and be under a microscope. People are on the fence, waiting to see what I’ll do,” he said.

He also compared himself to a book where everybody is interested to know his story. “I’m like a book, and everyone read half of it. Now, they’re gonna pick it up for the end of the story.”

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