Christian Coleman and Justin Gatlin Lead Relay Squad with Goal of Breaking American 4x100 Relay Record

By Adam Kopet

Christian Coleman and Justin Gatlin will return to the outdoor track together April 14 at the Tennessee Relays to attempt to break the American record in the 4x100 relay, according to WBIR.

The pair will be joined by Ronnie Baker and Mike Rodgers in the attempt to get the baton around the track in under 37.38. Gatlin was on the team that set the American record at the 2012 Olympics, joined by Jeff Demps, Doc Patton and Trell Kimmons.

Coleman has been on fire in 2018. Less than a year after capturing the silver medal in the 100 meters at the 2017 IAAF World Outdoor Championships, Coleman broke the 60-meter world record and won the 60 meters at the IAAF World Indoor Championships.

Gatlin won the world title at 100 meters in 2017, beating out Coleman and Usain Bolt. Both he and Coleman ran for Tennessee during their college careers.

Baker is coming off a strong indoor campaign that saw him secure the bronze medal in the 60 meters at the IAAF World Indoor Championships and become the third fastest 60-meter man of all time, when he ran 6.40 at the USATF Indoor Championships.

Rodgers is a five-time USATF champion over 60 and 100 meters. He and Gatlin ran on the 4x100 relay team that equaled the American record at the 2015 IAAF World Relays in the Bahamas, joined by Tyson Gay and Ryan Bailey.