Justin Gatlin sends Usain Bolt a warning message ahead of Rio Olympics 2016

Gatlin, first place, celebrates after the Men's 100 Meter Final during the 2016 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials
Andy Lyons/Getty Images

With Usain Bolt facing a battle for fitness, Justin Gatlin laid down a timely Olympic marker with the fastest 100metres in the world this year at the US Olympic trials in Eugene.

The 34-year-old won in 9.80 sec and afterwards warned his Jamaican rivals he expected an American sprint clean sweep of the medals at next month’s Games. He said: “Team USA is going to go 1,2,3 in Rio.”

Gatlin has struggled to get the better of Bolt but is in notably better form and fitness than his long-term rival.

Bolt will fly to Germany this week to consult with Dr Hans Muller-Wohlfahrt, who helped him overcome a pelvic issue to win triple gold at last year’s World Championships.

Whether the Jamaican has the chance to achieve that feat at a third Olympics this summer remains to be seen, with Bolt having just one opportunity — at the Anniversary Games in London on July 22 — to prove himself to selectors.

In Bolt’s absence, Yohan Blake won the 200m at the Jamaican Championships in 20.29sec last night, having won the 100m on Friday in 9.95sec.

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