Justin Gatlin scorches to Rio

Justin Gatlin clocked the fastest 100 metres of the year to book his ticket to Rio at the US Olympic trials here on Sunday as Allyson Felix shrugged off her injury woes to power to victory in the 400m.

Gatlin won in a blistering 9.8 seconds at Hayward Field to edge out young pretender Trayvon Bromell who was second in 9.84sec with Marvin Bracy third in 9.98sec.

The win sends the 34-year-old 2004 Olympic champion to Rio as the biggest threat to reigning champion Usain Bolt.

Gatlin, twice banned for doping offences during his controversial career, had earlier signalled his readiness by setting a season-best 9.83sec in the semi-finals.

“I was trying to get me a ticket on that boat going to Rio,” a delighted Gatlin said afterwards.

“My family has a ticket and that put pressure on me to punch my ticket,” said Gatlin, who confirmed he will not race again before Rio after running in the 200m here this week.

Blake marvels at his sprint double “miracle” Yohan Blake confirmed his return to top form by completing the sprint double with a victory in the men’s 200 metres in Kingston.

Two days after he won the 100m, Blake delivered on his promise by holding off a strong field to capture the 200m at the National Stadium. “I’ve been working miracles in my life. This is what miracles are all about,” Blake said.

World Championship silver medalist Elaine Thompson and 2013 world champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce were surprise withdrawals from the women’s 200m race, which was won by Simone Facey.