Justin Gatlin Says He Is Currently The World’s Fastest Man

[Sharingbuttons]Justin Gatlin said he is the world’s fastest man, despite Jamaica’s legend Usain Bolt holding the world records in both the 100 and 200 metres.

“I would consider myself the world’s fastest man because I won the [most recent] title,” at worlds in August, Gatlin said earlier this month at the USATF Black Tie and Sneakers Gala. “But you have to pay homage to Usain Bolt. He has the fastest times in the world.” Justin Gatlin told NBCSports.

Carl Lewis, a two-time Olympic 100m champion also agreed with Gatlin.

Gatlin pointed out that he will be considered the world’s fastest man until at least 2019; 2018 is the only year in the Olympic cycle without a global championship. Worlds are held in odd years.

“No matter how many races you lose,” Gatlin said, “you’re still world champion.”

Gatlin, 35, still has his eye on Tyson Gay’s American record of 9.69 seconds. Gatlin’s personal best is 9.74, set in 2015.