Gatlin breaks world record in 100 meters

~ The U.S. sprinter lowered the mark to 9.77 seconds.

DOHA, Qatar -- Olympic champion Justin Gatlin broke the 100-meter world record Friday with a time of 9.76 seconds at the Qatar Grand Prix.

The American sprinter lowered the mark of 9.77 seconds set by Jamaica's Asafa Powell on June 14, 2005, in Athens, Greece.

Gatlin won the 100- and 200-meter titles at the world championships in Helsinki, Finland, last August. He said Monday he intended to break the record in Doha.

"It is amazing I did it. It took a lot of discipline and dedication," Gatlin said. "You will see many more performances like this from me in the future."

Gatlin was quick out of the starting blocks, but was even with American teammate Terrence Trammell halfway through the race. He surged into the lead in the final 40 meters. Olusoji Fasuban of Nigeria finished second Friday in 9.84 seconds, with Shawn Crawford of the United States third in 10.08.

Gatlin and Powell will face each other at the Gateshead meet in England on June 11.

When Powell set the record last year, he bettered the mark of 9.79 set by Maur