“We need a Golden Coat like in the NFL” – Sprint Legends Call for Respect
Justin Gatlin, Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay at the “Fast Lane Lifestyle” podcast
Track and field has always had a hard time grabbing the attention that other major sports like soccer, basketball and the NFL get. While those sports have made big strides in creating formats and pay structures that reward athletes, track has struggled to do the same.
Sprint legends like Justin Gatlin, Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay – who are among the fastest men in history – shared their frustrations on the issue during a podcast. They raised the question: Where’s the respect for athletes who dedicated their lives to the sport?
Forgotten track and field legends
Asafa Powell believes retired legends are forgotten as soon as they leave the track, with event organisers giving them little recognition. “We’re not begging for attention,” he explained. “It’s just the respect aspect. You shouldn’t be struggling to get into the same stadium you competed in with thousands of people watching you.” Asafa didn’t only refer to sprinters like himself, but also to other retired athletes in track and field who aren’t treated the same way as legends in other sports.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Presentation in 2023
In sports like the NFL, retired players are honored with golden coats and their legacies are upheld by the league. But in track and field, as Justin Gatlin pointed out, the system is missing that same level of respect and acknowledgment. “I’m here at the Olympics, but I need those legends to sit in the stands. I need to be congratulated by those guys who paved the way for me,” he added. Justin Gatlin feels the track community hasn’t done enough to celebrate its heroes.
Disconnect between generations of sprinters
They also criticised a disconnect between generations of sprinters. "When they retire, it’s like they fade away," said Gatlin. He went on to say that track needs to do a better job of keeping retired legends involved, not just by inviting them to events but also in mentoring younger athletes.
Carl Lewis, Los Angeles 1984
Tyson Gay reflected on the legends that came before him, like Carl Lewis. “Tracks are faster, things have changed,” Gay said. “But it would be great to have the likes of Maurice Greene, Carl Lewis and other legends with us. We can give them their flowers and they could give us our flowers. And understand y'all made the way for us and we made the way for Noah Lyles and everyone else.”
For the next generation to shine and for the sport to grow, it’s time to recognise the athletes who have made track and field what it is today. As Gatlin said:
"We’re literally the fastest people that have ever been on earth."
