PANAJI: Boosting India’s return to running, Procam International promoters of the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) World 10K Bengaluru, has announced Justin Gatlin – the 2004 Olympic 100m champion and four-time World Athletics Championships gold-medallist – as the International Event Ambassador, for the 14th edition of the race on 15th May 2022.
The American sprinter had an illustrious career winning titles on the world stage across a period of 16 years from 2003 to 2019, before he officially hung up his spikes and retired on 10th February this year, his 40th birthday.
In addition to his 2004 Olympic 100m title and his world championships gold medals – which included the 100m in 2005 and 2017, in the latter beating the legendary Usain Bolt to the line – Gatlin also won the World Athletics Indoor Championships 60m in 2003 and 2021. In total, he won no less than 17 medals in global athletics championships.
After being appointed as the International Event Ambassador of TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2022, Justin Gatlin said: “The last two years have been challenging for all of us and made me realise the importance of being together; being part of something bigger. Sport has always been a great unifier and I am extremely excited to be a part of Tata Consultancy Services World 10K Bengaluru. This will be my first visit to India, and I look forward immensely to the new experience and witnessing each one of us #ComeAlive in our own unique way on the streets of Bengaluru”.
“I urge everyone to be a part of this event and find what brings you joy. See you at the start line!” he added.
Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director of Procam International commented: “We are delighted to have Justin Gatlin, a leading figure in world athletics over the last two decades, as the International Event Ambassador of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2022. Justin’s ‘Marathon’ journey; from winning Olympic Gold in the 100 mts to the Gold in the 100 mts at the Beijing World Championships in 2017, to winning 4×100 mts relay Gold at the Doha World Championships in 2019; his longevity and endurance has been captivating and inspiring.
“We are certain that he will motivate not only the people of Bengaluru to come together and run for health and unity, but he will also be encouraging people from all walks of life to ‘run as one’ with in the virtual run as well. We so look forward to welcoming Justin to Bengaluru very soon.”
The USD $210,000 World Athletics Elite Label Race will witness some of the world’s finest distance runners on the roads of Bengaluru as well as thousands of mass participation competitors from across India. For the first time, the event will be conducted in two formats: on-ground and a virtual app-based run. For more details on registration, please log onto – https://tcsworld10k.procam.in/
