2009 Adidas Track Classic to Run Fast Without Tyson Gay

Photo by Jay Hicks.

-Carson, CA. Home Depot Center.

Those looking to see the 2007 IAAF World Champion at 100 and 200 meters will have to wait a couple of weeks.  Meet officials formally announced today that Tyson Gay is not competing in the 2009 adidas Track Classic and remained at home in Texas to train in preparation for the Reebok Grand Prix in New York taking place in two weeks.

Tyson is not competing and we are disappointed,” Rich Kenah, one of the meet officials, told reporters.”He’s just not ready to run 100 and 200 yet so he won’t be competing here.

Last year, Gay ran a 100 and 200 meter double at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.

In his place, former 100 meter Olympic gold medalist Maurice Greene spoke to reporters about the adidas Track Classic.  The retired sprinter said, “having a high quality is about having great athletes but the fans really energize the athletes to perform well here at Carson.”

“Dancing is harder than running,” said Greene. You have get your heel and toe placement just right.  And the judges are know if you miss one item in your routine.

True to the meets’ reputation this years meet hosts some of track and field’s biggest names.

Competing this year is Jenn Stucyznski.   Last year she set the American record pole vault at 16 feet, 1.75 inches and is the events three time reigning champion.

Stucyznski said, “We come out here to get get some sun and heat.” “Jumping outdoors is all about wind and conditions. The last two years that I jumped here the the conditions.”

Allyson Felix is running her first 200 meters of the year. “I’m not really sure where I am at in my 200 meters. 

“We haven’t done that much speed work so will tell me where I am.”  Felix went on to say, “It is really special for me to run here.  I believe that I have only missed running year since the start of this meet. It’s great because my family can come.  For some of them is the only chance for my family to be present to see me run all year long,” said the 2007 World Champion at 200 meters.

Also running at the meet includes: Jeremy Wariner, Sanya Richards, LaShawn Merritt, Darvis Patton, Bernard Lagat, Shalane Flanagan, Terrence Trammell, Kerron Clement, Marshevet Hooker, and Hazel Clark.

Related posts:

1. 2010 adidas Track Classic
2. Geena Gall To Run Adidas Grand Prix
3. Tyson Gay named USATF Athlete of the Week
4. Day 5 evening quotes, 2009 IAAF World Championships
5. , Lagat, Cantwell, Suhr, Demus & Pierce lead strong U.S. contingent at Nike Prefontaine Classic