Victory in London Athletics World Championships

The victory of American Justin Gatlin in the London Athletics World Championships did not sit well with Sebastian Coe, the president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the governing body of the sport of athletics.

"I do not celebrate that someone who has been convicted twice of doping has won one of our most important awards. But he was eligible to compete," said the British official to the BBC. "It's not the perfect script," he lamented.

On Saturday, Gatlin defeated Usain Bolt and his fellow countryman Christian Coleman in the final of the 100 meters. The 35-year-old runner handed a harsh defeat to the Jamaican superstar, who bid farewell with an unexpected bronze in the premier event of athletics.

"I don't know what will happen, but we have to remember that we are saying goodbye to an athlete who has made an extraordinary contribution to the sport," said Coe.

At the Olympic Stadium, fans supported Bolt and booed Gatlin whenever they could. The American was first suspended in 2001 for using amphetamines for attention deficit, and later in 2006 for testosterone.

"It's not the most exciting day... for me, but he (Gatlin) also deserves some respect," added the leader.

Coe reiterated that he is in favor of lifetime bans for doping, but admitted that even the proposal to suspend Gatlin for eight years did not prosper, as the sports tribunal reduced Gatlin's sanction to four years.

Furthermore, the Briton urged fans to support Bolt instead of booing Gatlin at today's awards ceremony, as it is more important to celebrate the career of the athlete who won 11 world titles and eight Olympic gold medals.

Otherwise, the ceremony was moved one hour earlier than the evening session. However, the organization stated that the decision had nothing to do with a hostile environment against Gatlin, who was booed during the medal presentation, although the audience applauded after the US anthem.