American Sprinter Tyson Gay

American sprinter Tyson Gay says he's recovered from his hamstring injury and ready to chase down the Jamaican favorites in Beijing

Tyson Gay made headlines for his 9.68-second win in the 100-meter dash during the Olympic trials (June 29, 2008).

Gay, who set a new world record for this event, is considered one of the favorite contenders for the upcoming Beijing Olympics (August 8 - 24).

On June 28, 2008, in the 100 meters quarterfinal at the US Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, Gay finished in 9.77 seconds, setting an American record and sliding into 3rd all-time. In the 100 m final the following day, Gay finished first in a wind-aided 9.68 (+4.1 m/s), the fastest ever 100 m under any conditions.

Tyson Gay has run the fastest 100 meters in any conditions, a wind-aided 9.68 seconds, to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team. However, the time doesn't count as a world record because it was run with the help of the wind blowing at 4.1 meters per second. Jamaican Sprinter Usain Bolt world record of 9.72 seconds in the 100-meter race at the Reebok Grand Prix on May 31, 2008 still holds the title.

Still, Tyson Gay is the fastest man ever to run the 100 meters under any condition. The official wind speed was 4.1 meters per second. Any wind-aided time above 2.0 meters per second cannot be used as an official record time.

Tyson Gay won the US Olympic qualifying race, followed by Walter Dix running a 9.80 and Davis Patton's 9.84. Gay, Dix and Patton all qualify for the Beijing Olympics.

However, on July 5, Gay injured his leg qualifying for the 200 meters. Some speculate this may keep him out of Beijing, but his manager said, "There is no apparent damage otherwise, except for some road rash from the fall."

Tyson Gay On His

Hopes for the Beijing Summer Olympics

"Probably just as well as I did last year, I don't think it's going to be a real biggie, I'm looking forward to the media making just a rivalry between myself and Asafa Powell and some of the other runners like Berg Atkins so I'm really looking forward to it and I think it's going to be really exciting..."

Competitive edge

"Yes I guess I'm a different type of sprinter than some of the other ones we've had in the past, I'm kind of quiet but I think I still have the same competitive edge that they have. It's just on the inside

Feelings when he steps onto the track at the Olympics

"When I step onto the track I really believe that I'll be excited, I believe I'll probably get pretty emotional because I came from a long way. Last year is the most success I've ever had in my life and I really enjoyed it so I know that there's not a bigger event than the Olympics so I think I'll be pretty emotional"

Tyson Gay Career Highlights

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2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
American Sprinter Tyson Gay Shares Expectations for Beijing Olympics