Justin Gatlin to run in Estonia after 4-year doping ban, with hopes for 2012 Olympics

Gatlin set for comeback in Estonia, eyes Olympics

RAKVERE, Estonia — Returning from a four-year doping ban, Justin Gatlin says he’s running for his fans, friends and infant son.

The 28-year-old American will be running in the 100 meters Tuesday at a small track meet in Estonia and in two years expects to compete in the Olympics.

“I think of myself as a championship athlete,” Gatlin said Monday. “I can’t wait for London 2012.

Gatlin won gold in the 100 at the 2004 Athens Olympics and in the 100 and 200 at the 2005 world championships in Helsinki. He tested positive in 2006 for excessive testosterone.

Gatlin is puzzled at how a banned substance got into his system.

“I went through all the phases: depression, anger,” he said. “Right now, I’m just really more calm.”

He was formerly coached by Trevor Graham, who was given a lifetime ban by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for his role in helping athletes obtain performance-enhancing drugs. Graham also coached by Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery, both tainted by doping.

Gatlin is now training under speed technician Loren Seagrave, who once worked with former world record-holder Donovan Bailey. Seagrave said Gatlin’s technique will be more important than his time.

Gatlin has been on a diet and trying to trim muscle he put on in an attempt to play football. Asked whether he would be able to run under 10 seconds, Gatlin would only say he is “ready to be fast.”

But he also has a larger purpose in this race, one that goes beyond the track.

“I want to go out there and be able to show my son that I’m a good athlete,” he said.