Gay and Bolt both looking shocked at the 9.72 sec time which had just been achieved in New York (© Victah Sailer)
The late withdrawal of Asafa Powell may have delayed this season’s meeting of the Big Three over 100 metres, but tomorrow’s race at the DN Galan Samsung Diamond League meeting still boasts the Big Two – and it will be only the third meeting ever between Usain Bolt and Tyson Gay in the short sprint.
On the two previous occasions when they met over 100 metres, Bolt broke the World record – two years ago in New York, where he ran 9.72sec, and in last year’s IAAF World Championships, where he ran the current mark of 9.58.
While Bolt is not predicting another World record on the track where he last lost a race – he was beaten over 100m by Powell in 2008 – Gay is pumping himself up for a big performance, perhaps even a personal best. Because he feels that is what it will take to beat the man who has dominated world sprinting for the last two years.
“I think it will take a pb,” he said. “If not, a fast time. I can’t say 9.7 is not a fast time because it is, I can’t say 9.8 isn’t a fast time, because it is. But I know I am going to have to run my best to even be in the video, the camera shots...”
Gay has happy recent memories of Stockholm, having beaten Powell here last year in the 100m, clocking a wind-assisted 9.79sec.
“Last year it was pretty cool conditions, slightly windy but not bad at all,” Gay said. “If conditions are sunny like they are today, that will be perfect.”
Bolt, who arrived early in Stockholm to meet the public and promote his new clothing range, knows he is going to have to work hard, but without risking further damage to the Achilles tendon which troubled him earlier this season.
“It’s definitely a big race,” he said. “I’ve had people in Jamaica saying ‘You can’t let Tyson beat you.’ It’s going to be a tough race, but my main aim is to try and avoid getting injured because my injury is better and hopefully it’s going to hold up.
“This season I’m trying to stay unbeaten, but it’s going to be hard race here.”
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