Former Olympic and world champion Justin Gatlin has opened up about his life after retirement, sharing insights on mental resilience, the importance of tough coaching, and finding peace beyond competition. Having spent nearly two decades at the top of global athletics, Gatlin continues to contribute to the sport through his podcast Ready Set Go, where he discusses the challenges and philosophies that define modern track and field.
Gatlin recently voiced his support for a Houston-based track and field coach who has drawn attention for her tough approach to athlete development. The coach emphasized that while today’s athletes are physically gifted, many struggle mentally when faced with setbacks. She argued that modern sports culture has become too focused on shielding young athletes from challenges, leaving them ill-prepared for the realities of competition and life.
According to Gatlin, this message resonated deeply with his own experiences. “Stop protecting the weak and start building the strong,” he noted, emphasizing that resilience is forged through adversity. He believes that developing mental toughness is just as vital as physical training. For him, true athletic greatness stems from the ability to recover from defeats, injuries, and disappointments — qualities that separate champions from contenders.
Gatlin’s reflections highlight a growing awareness within athletics about the mental side of performance. He pointed out that many young athletes lack the emotional tools to handle loss, coaching changes, or the pressure of high-level competition. In his view, coaching should be about preparing athletes holistically — building not just speed or strength, but also the mindset needed to endure setbacks and stay focused on long-term goals.
Despite his passion for athlete development, Gatlin revealed that he has no immediate plans to enter coaching. He explained that coaching is a demanding profession that requires patience, humility, and time to grow. “People expect us to be as great at coaching as we were at competing, but it doesn’t work that way,” he said. “You have to start from the bottom and respect the process.”
For now, Gatlin is content to enjoy a more balanced life. After years of relentless training and global competition, he says his focus is on peace, reflection, and giving back to the sport in his own way. “If coaching comes, it will be later,” he concluded. “Right now, it’s all about finding your peace.”
