Walter Dix takes the win ahead of Tyson Gay in the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene - Samsung Diamond League (© Kirby Lee)
Former triple World champion Tyson Gay reflects on his last couple of races, a defeat at 200m and a victory at 100m as well as American Football and “Soccer” Football…
“You win some and lose some. I guess that is the story of the last few weeks for me. Losing isn’t fun but it makes me appreciate the winning races even more.
“I ran my first 200m on the track for 2010 at the PRE Classic Diamond League in Eugene. I would be lying if I said I was not a little nervous about running the same curve that ended my chance for an Olympic medal in 2008. But I got through it and opened my season in 19.76. I didn’t know what to expect fitness wise so the time was a good start for me but I still got beat by Walter Dix. He ran well. Respect to him.
“In my second race at Gateshead, I ran 100m. I felt more comfortable on the track and was real happy to come away with the victory. Asafa ran a strong race as he always does but I closed well - 9.94 to 9.96 into a headwind. As I always say, I think on any given day, I can beat anyone and on any given day, anyone can beat me.
“I’m in Europe now and I am happy to be able to focus on my upcoming 200m race at the Herculis Diamond League Meet in Monaco on July 22nd and then Stockholm and London before the 100m finals of the Diamond League in Brussels. I’m excited to be going back to Stade Louis in Monaco. This is where I won my first major race on the international circuit (2005 World Athletics Final) so I have good memories. This week, I will focus my training on getting my timing, sharpness and feel for sprinting. Basically, I want to focus on the technical part of my races.
“Sports in general this last week have been fun to watch. Here in Europe, it has been World Cup all the time. But when I heard news back from the USA, it was all about Lebron. I was cheering for Holland in the World Cup Final. I was disappointed for them but no matter the outcome I was glad that a team would have the chance to win the World Cup for the first time. I used to think American football fans were hard core...but they got nothing on soccer (football) fans here.
“As for Lebron, he’s crazy for taking millions of dollars less just to go to Wade’s world! Just kidding. Seriously, I think it was a smart move and the best thing he has done in his career so far. These days so many athletes in US professional sports make decisions for their career with only money in mind. For Lebron, you got to respect a guy who wants a championship title more than he wants money.
“Look for me in Monaco in next week.”
Tyson