Gay sprints to 19.41 world best on 200m straight

INDIANAPOLIS - Tyson Gay set a new world best in winning the 200 meters on a straight track Sunday at the Powerade Great City Games in Manchester, U.K.

A triple gold medalist at the 2007 World Outdoor Championships, Gay ran 19.41 seconds into a slight headwind on a specially constructed 200m straight track on the streets of Manchester. The previous world best of 19.5 was set by the legendary Tommie Smith back in 1966 on a cinder track in San Jose, Calif. Smith was trackside for Gay’s race and told BBC Sports “It was a great race.”

Gay came into the race having run 44.89 over 400m on April 17 in Gainesville, Fla. His impressive time over 400m made him the first man to run under 10 seconds for the 100m, 20 seconds for the 200m and 45 seconds over 400m.

Can’t Forget About the PUMA Clyde - Tommie Smith Gold List

Let the celebration of Usain Bolt ripping up the track in Beijing continue. It is only proper to remember the PUMA shoes that honor Tommie Smith. Everyone knows how Smith and John Carlos raised their hands on the medal stand in 1968 in honor of those who were suffering in the United States.

On the tongue - 19.83 appears to commemorate Tommie Smith’s record time.

Puma Unveils More of the Tommie Smith Collection!

PreraceJitters.com originally brought you news of the Tommie Smith shoes by PUMA. The German-based shoe giant has released more styles in the collection to honor 1968 track legend Tommie Smith.

Puma’s relationship with Tommie Smith dates back to the 1960’s. He was a PUMA sponsored athlete while winning the gold medal in the 200 at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics in a world record time of 19.83 at the time.

I love that the “Gold Clydes” have replica gold medals and the winning 200-meter time on the shoe tongue. The “Blue Clydes” are the shoes that Tommie wore on the podium in the 1968 Olympic games. They have been lined with a metallic gold leather, a reference to his gold medal win.

Tommie Smith 1968 Suedes

It’s about time that John Carlos and Tommie Smith finally got some love. Puma is paying a small tribute to the two former track stars with “Tommie Smith” Suede Pack.

During the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City when newly crowned 200-meter champion and record holder Tommie Smith raised his fist on the podium, along with bronze medal winner John Carlos, the controversy jumped off.

The barefoot athletes’ salute was meant to represent the civil rights movement and the struggle of African Americans. Tommie Smith and John Carlos were kicked out of the Olympic village, suspended from the U.S. Olympic team, and summarily sent home from the games.

To commemorate these brave men, a two sneaker collection of Suedes will release later this month with a repeating fist monogram along the upper and include golden accents. Look for the shoes to be available for purchase in August 2008.