Justin Gatlin on why Brittany Brown deserves more respect after 200m Diamond League & Olympic heroics

Justin Gatlin on why Brittany Brown deserves more respect after 200m Diamond League & Olympic heroics

Mark Kinyanjui 19:20 - 20.09.2024

Brittany Brown has overcome adversities, including suffering from endometriosis to become an Olympic medallist and Diamond League champion in 2024.

American sprint legend Justin Gatlin has showered praise on Brittany Brown for her tenacity and determination, following her spectacular win in the 200m final at the Diamond League in Brussels last week.

 Brown capped off a remarkable season with a victory, clocking 22.20 seconds to edge out Great Britain’s Daryll Neita, who finished second in 22.45 seconds, and fellow American Anavia Battle, who completed the podium with a time of 22.61 seconds.

Brown's dominance in the race was evident from her explosive start out of the blocks, as she maintained her pace and powered through the curve to secure the top spot. The 29-year-old sprinter has been open about her battle with endometriosis, a condition that has caused her immense pain throughout her career. 

However, her recent victory stands as a testament to her relentless hard work and determination, inspiring countless women facing similar struggles.

Having already made her Olympic debut earlier in the year at the Paris Games, Brown finished third in the women’s 200m final behind gold medalist Gabby Thomas and runner-up Julien Alfred. 

Her impressive performances didn’t stop there, as she went on to win the Diamond League Meeting in Rome before securing second place at the Grand Prix Lombardia.

Reflecting on Brown’s remarkable rise, Gatlin, speaking on his Ready Set Go podcast, commended her journey and perseverance.

 "She had an amazing season. The moment she said ‘enough is enough, you’ll stop giving me these disrespectful outside lanes!’, our girl Brown just started rolling on," Gatlin said.

The former Olympic champion was quick to highlight Brown’s growth and transformation throughout the season.

 "And top of that, to go out there and win an Olympic medal, become a Diamond League champion, those are individual dreams you want to accomplish, and to do it all in one year, that is growth," he added. 

"You can tell she is growing with each race. She is becoming more comfortable with her running, her form, and competing at that level. She was built to be here."

Brown’s journey to the top has been far from easy. She has often faced criticism and backlash throughout her career due to her battle with endometriosis, a condition that would leave her in tears from the intense pain. 

Despite the obstacles, Brown’s resilience has not only earned her accolades on the track but also endorsement deals that have flooded in following her success.

Gatlin believes these endorsements are a well-deserved reward for her dedication and perseverance. 

"This is what track and field really is about. Athletes who go unrecognized for so long, but their love for the sport holds tried and true, and they go out there, that moment happens, and they make it big," Gatlin shared. "She got signed this year, got a whole other contract."

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