Bolt vs. Gay Begs More Questions
September 17, 2009 by Jay Hicks
The prevailing wisdom after watching the 22-year-old Jamaican sprint to 9.58 seconds and 19.19 seconds in the 100 and 200 meters respectively at the World Championship is that every race under 400 meters is a rap. Usain Bolt has the ability to challenge every world record under 800 meters, bring about world peace, and deliver on universal health care and still have time to for some dance hall moves.
After setting two world records in Berlin, nothing is too far of a stretch. Really.
It is difficult to argue with nearly a two meter victory in the 100 meters at the World Championships.
But a closer looks reveals the story involving the story between the two spring giants is not complete.
The presence of Tyson Gay in the race propelled Bolt to lower his world record. There was no showboating, no shutting it down two meters from the line. Because Bolt knew that anything less than his best could threaten the chance for victory.
How fast can Gay ultimately go? I don’t think it’s unrealistic that his personal best is sub 9.70 seconds over the next two seasons.
And in the Berlin race, Tyson Gay’s 9.71 is a time that would have been a world record 13 months ago. That is still only good for a silver but news is coming out that the ever classy Gay was not 100% in the World Championship final. In fact, his groin injury requires surgery after the season. I know, some you’re thinking it is just another excuse. But the American Record holder was not at his best and one can only imagine if Gay can close some of the gap.
But track is arguably the most fickle of lovers. Hot today and then small injuries such as of the groin, foot or hamstring after running a number of fast races has slowed down some of the sports best. Think Maurice Greene.
The rivalry is not over. The fact is that every season starts completely new and fans can look forward to Bolt dueling it on the circuit in 2010. The finals left more questions about who will win the next match up and the meet after that.
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There are few things that are more impressive than what bolt did in Berlin. However,I must admit that I was blown away at Tyson Gay’s American record of 9.71 on half a groin. Bolt or no Bolt, Tyson Gay is a stellar athlete.I can’t wait to see what 2010 brings when he’s healed!! Also, from where I was sitting, Bolt was only 1 meter and a half ahead….I’m just saying.
I like the way you are thinking.
Gay was 1.5 meters off the leader and 2010 will be another competitive season.
The other looming question to be answered is whether Gay can beat Bolt in a head-to-head race. Share your thoughts.
The sport of track and field, can only be respected when the greats of the game continue to give back..Example how many track seminars or camps in the urban school districts? how many high school tracks have indoor facilities to facilitate having a track program? How do you compete in an environment that is not conducive to track and field? ,then expect the media and sponsors to put money into it. Jamaicans have a bigger advantage, they can train year around in the same conditions. Americans have a slight advantage, with our technology and Facilities,, But who knows, No one has ever seen a 6 ft 5 run those kind of times.. We have to promote the sport…