American Legend Justin Gatlin on Specific Thing Kishane Thompson Must Embrace to Dominate Akani Simbine and Co…

American Legend Justin Gatlin on Specific Thing Kishane Thompson Must Embrace to Dominate Akani Simbine and Co…

 

In the high-octane world of sprinting, talent alone doesn’t guarantee victory—it’s the mental game that often separates champions from contenders. That’s the message from American sprint legend Justin Gatlin, who has pinpointed a crucial area young Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson must embrace if he hopes to consistently dominate the likes of South Africa’s Akani Simbine, Ferdinand Omanyala of Kenya, and other top-tier rivals.

Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic 100m gold medalist and multiple-time World Champion, knows the sport’s demands better than most. With a career that spanned nearly two decades and included showdowns with Usain Bolt and other generational talents, Gatlin’s perspective carries weight. Speaking recently about the rise of the 23-year-old Thompson, Gatlin emphasized one key factor: race maturity.

“Raw speed isn’t enough at this level,” Gatlin explained. “Kishane has all the physical tools—you can see it in his acceleration, his top-end speed, his posture through the phases of a race. But to dominate the likes of Akani Simbine, who’s been in countless finals and knows how to manage rounds and pressure, you have to become a student of the race itself.”

Gatlin pointed to the nuances of championship racing, especially in major meets like the World Championships and Olympics. “These races aren’t always about running your fastest time,” he said. “They’re about strategy. When to push, when to relax, how to handle the semifinals emotionally and physically, and how to stay focused despite the noise. Experience teaches you that. But the quicker a guy like Kishane embraces that mental aspect, the faster he’ll reach his full potential.”

Thompson, who burst onto the scene with a sub-9.90 performance, is widely regarded as one of the new faces of Jamaican sprinting. With the retirement of Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake in the twilight of his career, Jamaica has been searching for its next 100m superstar. Thompson’s performances have ignited hope, but Gatlin warns that talent must be matched by composure and adaptability.

“Guys like Simbine and even Omanyala bring a wealth of experience and confidence. They don’t get rattled in the blocks, and they know how to adjust mid-race. For Kishane to consistently beat them, he has to be just as sharp upstairs,” Gatlin added, tapping his temple.

Gatlin encouraged Thompson to invest time in studying film, analyzing his competitors, and building a routine that enhances mental clarity before races. “At the elite level, the margin for error is tiny. One bad start, one mistimed transition, and the race is gone. You have to be more than fast—you have to be smart.”

As the 2025 World Championships and the next Olympic cycle approach, Gatlin’s advice could prove pivotal for Thompson. If the young Jamaican can blend his raw talent with tactical intelligence and composure, the sprinting world may soon witness a new dominant force on the global stage.