Justin Gatlin proves he's the fastest man in the world with 200m prelim win

EUGENE, Ore. – Justin Gatlin made his USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships debut with a strong turn in the 200 meters, leading all competitors with a slightly wind-aided 19.92 in the preliminary heats to stand, as expected, as the favorite heading into Sunday's final.

While behind his recent numbers in the event – Gatlin has the world's best time in the 200 this season, a 19.68 at the Prefontaine Classic in late May – the finish remains noteworthy: The 19.92 tops any of Gatlin's results in the 200 from 2003-13, reinforcing the image of a 33-year-old sprinter just now putting together the best times of his career.

When it comes to the 200, the time also stands as the fourth-best finish in the history of the first round of the outdoor championships.

"I have to do what I have to do to get the job done," Gatlin said. "Right now, hopefully get some rest and be ready for the World Championships."

Therein lies the issue for Gatlin, who is a medal contender in both the 100 and 200 yet remains as polarizing a figure as you'll find in track due to his history of doping suspensions. Twice Gatlin has been suspended for failed drug tests, including a four-year ban from 2006-10.

But even among the controversy there is no disputing a simple fact: With each race this season, Gatlin reinforces his status as not just the fastest American in track but, with Usain Bolt struggling, the fastest man in the world.

He spent Friday on the sidelines watching the men's 100, thanks to a bye into this summer's World Championships in Beijing as the reigning Diamond League champion. Another American with a doping suspension on his résumé, Tyson Gay, won the event with a 9.87, followed by 19-year-old Trayvon Bromell at 9.96 and Michael Rodgers – who was likewise suspended for nine months in 2012 for taking a banned stimulant – in third at 9.97.

"I knew what Tyson had up his sleeve," Gatlin said. "He's a second-phase runner. He came out looking really sharp. It can be hard to beat those guys."

Unless you're Justin Gatlin. Asked to predict his finish in the 100 on Hayward Field's fast track – despite blazing heats, times among competitors have been consistently strong – Gatlin set his sights high.

"I'd like to say 9.6, for the American record," he said. "That's what I've been working on steadily and surely, you know. But I've got a long season so I'm going to be ready for the rest of the season."

Up next comes the worlds, where the American contingent will be joined by a reigning Olympians – Bolt, most notably – in the marquee track event of the season.

"You never know when you get to the line, what's going to happen or who's going to be on the line," said Gatlin. "You never know until you cross the finish line. I think everybody's going to be ready and prepared."

GALLERY: SCENES FROM THE US TRACK AND FIELD OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS