Gatlin Gun shows his gold
PHOTO BY MARY CANNADAY
Olympic athlete Justin Gatlin, onstage at the Dept. of Transportation with moderator Cheri Kelley, chats with her and with audience members, who were encouraged to ask questions of the runner, currently training in Kissimmee. Gatlin was guest of honor at the DOT Black History Recognition Program.
PHOTOS BY MARY CANNADAY
To applause from an enthusiastic audience, Olympic runner Justin Gatlin accepts a plaque from Cheri Kelley of the Department of Transportation during their Black History Recognition program Thursday.
PHOTO BY MARY CANNADAY
Bartow Mayor Leo Longworth (center) shares a light moment with Olympic athlete Justin Gatlin and Cheri Kelley (left) just before presenting him with a key to the city at the DOT's Black History Celebration. Longworth said that was a rare gesture on the part of the city but they wanted to recognize Gatlin for his character and accomplishments.
Olympic gold, silver and bronze medalist Justin Gatlin has set many records in his running career, but in an informal chat with an audience at the Department of Transportation Thursday in Bartow, the easy-going guest of honor showed no signs of being full of himself.
Gatlin, who has the nickname Gatlin Gun for the way he shoots out of the starting block, was the featured speaker for the DOT’s 10th annual Black History Recognition program. The audience was treated to news clips of the 2004 Summer Olympics where Gatlin, quickly pulled ahead of the pack, won a gold medal in the 100-meter race, a bronze medal in the 200-meter race and a silver as a member of the four man 100-meter relay squad.
