Usain Bolt has no problem competing against Justin Gatlin because he feels that the four-year doping ban the American served was a fair suspension.
The double Olympic and World Champion recently voiced dissatisfaction over another American sprinter, Tyson Gay, who was banned for a year after testing positive for a banned anabolic steroid.
“The ban Tyson got was unfair and sent the wrong message,” said Bolt.
“Justin Gatlin got his ban and served it, so for me it’s not an issue.”
The Jamaican sprinter will come up against both men this weekend in the 4x100m at the World Relays Championships in the Bahamas.
Bolt had said he was “not looking forward” to competing against Gay who was initially given a two-year ban in 2014 before having the punishment halved and backdated after co-operating with US doping authorities.
Gatlin – who was sidelined from 2006-2010 – was unbeaten in the 100m in 2014 and the 33-year-old is now viewed as a threat to Bolt’s dominance in the event.
“Justin Gatlin is a great competitor. He’s one of those guys who talks a lot and says a lot,” said Bolt.
“So for me he makes the sport interesting and I look forward to running against him this season.”
