World Athletics Championships: Coleman basks in golden glory
Becoming the world champion in 100 metres felt "too good to be true" for Christian Coleman, who says "not many people expected" him to win silver.
Published : Sep 29, 2019 15:31 IST
Christian Coleman revelled in being crowned the world 100 metres champion after sealing gold in Saturday's final in Doha.
The 23-year-old lit up the World Athletics Championships by recording the sixth-fastest time in history, clocking an impressive 9.76seconds.
That effort saw him topple fellow American Justin Gatlin, who stood on top of the podium ahead of Coleman two years ago in London.
"World champion, it sounds incredible, too good to be true," said Coleman, who saw a case against him for reportedly missing three doping tests dropped by the United States Anti-Doping Agency earlier this month.
Read: Indian mixed relay team books Olympics berth, reaches final
"For me to make it here and come out with a gold is incredible. I was just out of college two years ago and not many people expected me to win a silver. I expected to come out here and be great and upgrade my silver medal."
With the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo drawing ever closer, Coleman admitted he had allowed his mind to wander to thoughts of competing in Japan next year.
"It's hard to compartmentalise and not think about Tokyo – that's huge to go to an Olympics," he said.
"I will be expected to go there and medal but the work doesn't stop. Hopefully I can make the team."
At the age of 37, there are questions over whether this was Gatlin's last appearance on the global stage.
But, having run a time of 9.89secs to claim silver, the divisive sprint veteran was proud of his effort and revealed his plans to join Coleman in Tokyo.
"This season was a testament to my endurance and will," he said. "I had setbacks this season. I just wanted to stay focused on this race and give it all I got for this season.
"Christian has ran a spectacular season, great times. I couldn't say it was a shock that he would do a great job here. I had to hold on and stay strong in my technique."
Asked if he will be at the Olympics next year, he replied: "I'm coming. I'm going to be better. I'm ready."