We have set the tone for the World Championships: Justin Gatlin

Justin Gatlin celebrates after winning finals of the men’s 4x100m event at IAAF World Relays

Following their win over Jamaica in the 4x100m event, USA athlete Justin Gatlin said that the victory has set the tone for the upcoming IAAF World Championships in Beijing in August. A powerful four-man USA team finished first with a timing of 37.38 seconds at the IAAF World Relays, held in Nassau in Bahamas.

"We just set the tone. This is the beginning of the season. We're going to get faster and stronger,” Gatlin told BBC Sport.

Taling about his rivalry with Usain Bolt, Gatlin said that he was the man to beat now and hoped to clinch the gold at the World Championships in a few months time.

"Coming out this season I think I'm the man to beat right now. I hope I can hold that good form and take another gold medal for myself at the World Championships,” the 33-year-old said.

Have a lot of work to do: Bolt

Admitting that lot more work needs to put in, Bolt said that presently the Americans were in a better shape and hoped that the Jamaicans would regain top form in the lead up to the Championships.

“That shows that we have a lot of work to do. I'm sure at the World Championships it'll be different,” the 28-year-old said.

"I don't think any of us are in our top form and the US is definitely in better shape than us. We just need to get back to the shape we are used to. We have three months and at the World Championships that's where it really matters,” he added.