Tyson Gay, adidas Media Lounge, by Larry Eder
Tyson Gay is back. That is what his competitions have shown over the past
six weeks.
After not racing for nearly a year, from July 2011 until June 2012, Tyson
Gay came out fighting. His 10.00, into a head wind, at the adidas GP NYC
on June 9, showed that he was coming around.
At the Olympic Trials, Tyson Gay ran cautiously in the first round. In
the second round, Tyson had a poor start, but ran his second half of
the race very well, taking the race.
In the final, Tyson Gay came up on Justin Gatlin and Gatlin was just too
strong, with Gatlin running 9.80, a personal best. Tyson Gay ran 9.86,
for second and all was good. He was on the team!
“Last year was the toughest time. One of my friends told me that I
must have been in pain, as he had never seen me not run the rounds.
That was a tough time.” was how Tyson Gay put 2011 in perspective.
On July 6, at the AREVA Paris meeting, Tyson literally got off the plane,
and won the 100 meters, giving Justin Gatlin his first defeat. The time
was 10.00, but the key was winning. ” It was a hard race. I had just
gotten of the plane and it was my first time racing in Paris.” noted Tyson.
On July 14, Tyson Gay ran the 100 meters at the AVIVA London GP, and he
won once again. Running 10.03, Tyson looked good, getting out of the
blocks okay, and running a strong middle phase of the race, to take
the win, with Ryan Bailey following in 10.09.
“London, I learned about warming up well for the conditions. It
was good preparation for London.” commented Tyson Gay.
In this discussion at the adidas Media Lounge, and our discussion with
Tyson Gay at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials in June, it became clear that
Tyson Gay wants to excel, and wants to put a strong Olympic performance
on the table.
“My confidence is pretty good now. I am getting alot of help from the USA
team staff. ” added Tyson.
Tyson Gay knows who he is running against. ” Those runners know my
reputation..he has to be one of the favorites (speaking of Usain Bolt),
and it will be a great 100 meters.”
” I feel the pressure, ” said Tyson. But, he has also been there before.
On June 22, Tyson was reminded that he was the last man to defeat Usain
Bolt over 100 meters (this was prior to the Jamaican Trials), and how that
affected his thoughts. Tyson Gay smiled, obvious that he has not forgotten
that race.
With Tyson Gay healthy once again, another challenge has been added to the
Jamaican domination of the 100 meters.
Usain Bolt was quoted as saying that he was at 95 percent. Yohan Blake told
the press yesterday that he did not feel any pressure. Tyson Gay, today, seemed
relaxed and confident.
These are three of the players in the 100 meters. We shall see how it plays out over
the next three days.
ON Sunday, August 5, at 9:50 pm, the finalists in the 100 meters will line
up, and give us, the media, fans, coaches, and other athletes, a race to
talk about for many years in the future.
My guess? Tyson Gay will be taking one of those medals home.
