He will find, however, per two stories published by the Reuters news agency today, written by Gene Cherry, that he will not be welcome to most of the major European meetings this summer.
The stories, published today by Reuters, and written by Gene Cherry,
confirm that Justin Gatlin is running the Nike Pre, but also that the Euromeetings group is adamant about his competition in Europe.
This is a very complicated issue, as drugs have sullied our sport for decades. RBR understands that the Euromeetings managers have put a proverbial line in the sand-drug cheats are not welcomed in their events. The European managers have decided, as a group, that banned athletes (two years and longer) are not welcome into their meetings.
But, in the U.S., there is the over riding feeling that if a person takes their lumps, and serves their time, which Gatlin did, they should be given another chance. Does this apply to athletes who have hurt their sport with positive drug tests? Does Justin Gatlin, having served his time, deserve another chance?
There is no easy answer. Gene Cherry provides two very well-written articles on this conundrum. I am curious to see what you are readers think of Justin Gatlin and his comeback.
Please email me at runblogrun@gmail.com with your thoughts or use our comment column.
The two stories are linked below:
Justin Gatlin to run Nike Pre Classic, by Gene Cherry /Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/
Justin Gatlin: Oregon Invite will not change European ban, by Gene Cherry/Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/