Justin Gatlin not letting past get to him

Justin Gatlin says he will not let his controversial past hinder his chances of success at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The American has twice been banned for doping violations, with the most serious seeing him serve a four-year suspension after being found to have excessive testosterone in his system in 2006.

Before that he won 100m gold at the 2004 Olympics and the 200m title at the following year’s World Championships in Helsinki.

Since winning 100m bronze four years ago in London, the 34-year-old has continued to impress and is again viewed as Usain Bolt’s biggest rival in that event.

Their duel at last year’s Worlds in Beijing was branded in some quarters as a fight between good and evil and a number of pundits openly spoke of their joy of Bolt’s success due to Gatlin’s past.

The American himself has always done his best to play down the controversy and ignore his critics.

However, the McLaren report into Russian athletes has again highlighted the disdain for doping in all sports and competitors who have served bans have been under even more scrutiny.

American swimmer Lilly King, who won gold in the 100m breaststroke, even questioned the inclusion of dopers on Team USA in Rio.

Gatlin is not concerned though, insisting he has moved on from his past misdemeanours and is only thinking about success on the track. “At the end of the day, the time has been served.

I’ve served that time,” he told AP. “I’ve dealt with that punishment. I’ve moved forward.” Gatlin is 2.50 to take 100m gold in Rio, while he is priced at 4.50 in the 200m.