Justin Gatlin has opined why he thinks track and field is the sport with the most physically attractive athletes in the world.
American sprint legend Justin Gatlin has shared his perspective on why track and field athletes not only excel in athleticism but also in physical appeal, following the conclusion of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Speaking on his Ready Set Go podcast, Gatlin lauded the athletes' appearances, emphasizing, “I am talking both guys and the girls. There is no other sport that gives the physique that track and field builds.” His comments reflect the unique combination of power, grace, and aesthetics that the sport nurtures.
Gatlin noted the evolution of style in track and field, particularly among female athletes, who have embraced a more glamorous presentation over the years.
14:47 - 25.08.2024
Gabby Thomas on how legendary late sprinter Flo-Jo changed the game for modern female athletes
Gabby Thomas has explained how legendary former American sprinter Flo-Jo redefined beauty amongst female sprinters.
“If you put a face card with these ladies from around the world, and this is different. Back on our day, they used to come with slick back hair almost like they got the vaseline on their face and a bit of eyeliner on just to make sure it looked presentable for television,” he remarked, contrasting the past with the current era.
He then compared today's athletes to models, adding, “Now these ladies look like they are on a Maybelline commercial. They look like little Barbie dolls running.”
Gatlin’s observations are spot on, especially considering the stunning displays of both athleticism and beauty at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The event showcased athletes like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Sha'Carri Richardson, Gabby Thomas, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, and Masai Russell, who not only excelled on the track but also captivated global audiences with their confidence and style.
21:58 - 03.08.2024
American football legend Shannon Sharpe on how Sha'Carri Richardson is similar to iconic sprinter Flo-Jo
Sharpe has revealed how similar Sha'Carri Richardson is to Flo-Jo, the fastest woman ever -recorded, and also weighed in on Team Jamaica's chances without Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson in the 100m of the Paris Olympic games.
On the men’s side, athletes like Noah Lyles, Armand "Mondo" Duplantis, Karsten Warholm, Marcell Jacobs, and Kishane Thompson similarly left lasting impressions with their striking looks and glamorous personas, further solidifying track and field's reputation for combining top-tier athleticism with aesthetic appeal.
For Gatlin, this blend of athleticism and beauty is what sets track and field apart from other sports.
“Your hommies on TV, when they see that a race is on and they click and see you, they will be like ‘hold on’,” he added, highlighting how the sport captivates viewers beyond just the competitive action.
Beauty in track and field has become the thing since the legendary Florence Griffith Joyner, whose iconic one-legged catsuits, extravagant nails, and flowing hair revolutionized the sport in the late 1980s.
14:00 - 26.08.2024
Shericka Jackson appears to aim brutal shots at Noah Lyles' girlfriend Junelle Bromfield over cyberbullying complaints
Tensions appear to rise between Shericka Jackson and Noah Lyles' girlfriend Junelle Bromfield online after the latter complains of being cyberbullied 'for weeks'.
“I don’t even know what event this is, I’m just watching lane-5. Whoever this is right here,” Gatlin reminisced.
The Paris 2024 Olympics, much like the era of Flo-Jo, demonstrated that track and field is as much about visual allure as it is about speed and strength, making it one of the most captivating sports in the world.