Justin Gatlin: 'Ankle problem hindered me'

USA's Justin Gatlin says that an ankle injury hindered his performance as he failed to qualify for the men's 200m final.

Justin Gatlin has suggested that an ankle problem was the reason for his below-par performance in the men's 200m semi-finals.

The American was expected to challenge for a medal in Rio de Janeiro but he could only finish in third position in the third semi-final as he missed out on a place in the final by three hundredths of a second.

The 34-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "I'm happy to still be here for the relays. My ankle is giving me a lot of problems. I can't run properly and I had a tight turn in lane three."

On Sunday night, Gatlin finished behind Usain Bolt to win silver in the 100m final.

Usain Bolt celebrates winning the men's 100m on August 14, 2016
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