The news does not come completely unexpected, as Gatlin did not qualify for the Olympics in Tokyo.
In May 2021, he participated in a test competition before the Olympics, which he won in 10.24 - a good distance from his best time of 9.74 from 2015.
Gatlin often ended up in the shadow of Usain Bolt, most often he was beaten by the Jamaican.
But in the 100 meters 2017 in London - in Bolt's last individual championship race, Gatlin got revenge when he won the gold.
Bolt had to make do with the bronze, also beaten by the American Christian Coleman.
“When I look to the future, I want to leave a legacy that continues to inspire others.
As I get a year older and move my energy to new career opportunities, I hope to continue to inspire those who have supported me throughout my career ", writes Gatlin.
Shut down twice
However, Gatlin is not a success story free from controversy.
He has been surrounded by doping scandals, and was suspended in 2001 and 2006. 2001 for using Adderall, which he has been treated with since childhood for ADHD.
Mr Gatlin neither cheated nor wanted to cheat.
He is clearly not a doper ", the American arbitral tribunal wrote in its statement then.
But in 2006, high levels of testosterone were measured, which Gatlin blamed on a conflict with his therapist.
The suspension then lasted a full eight years, but the sentence was halved after an appeal.
It was, as I said, a successful comeback, with additional championship medals.
However, the two doping suspensions have tarnished Gatlin's career, and he has received buoys in arenas and critical voices have been raised in sports columns.
Where Bolt was hailed as a "pure" athlete, Gatlin has been portrayed as the black sheep.
- I have come back and done what I need to do.
I've worked hard just like everyone else, and I'm being tested like everyone else, and I'm back here.
I believe in the system, Gatlin commented in 2016.