Gay's 2010 goals: speed, health and beating Bolt

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-07 09:57

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana: Sprinter Tyson Gay's resolutions for 2010 are simple - stay injury-free, run super-fast and put on some great shows against Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt.

Gay's 2010 goals: speed, health and beating Bolt

Tyson Gay of the U.S. warms up before the 12th men's 100 metres heats during the world athletics championships at the Olympic stadium in Berlin, August 15, 2009. [Agencies]

"I'm not training yet," said Gay, who underwent groin surgery five weeks ago. "I have about three more weeks of rehab, then I'll get back into the swing of things."

That includes challenging Bolt, the reigning world and Olympic champion and world record-holder at 100 and 200 meters. US star Gay spoke with Bolt a few weeks ago in France.

"He's cool," Gay said on Saturday. "He asked me how my surgery went and told me to get back healthy. He said, 'We have to put on a great show next year, so get ready to run'."

Gay and Bolt are set to meet in three IAAF Diamond League competitions next year.

"I'm not sure yet which meets I'm going to run because my season has been set back a few months," Gay said.

While Gay realizes the importance of racing against Bolt, he tries to treat his main rival like any other foe.

"Once we step on the track you're the enemy," Gay said. "I want to beat you. You want to beat me."

Former 100-meter world champion Gay was presented with the Jesse Owens Award at USA Track and Field's annual convention on Saturday. Gay also won the honor in 2007 after taking three gold medals at the World Championships in Osaka.

Gay matched or lowered his US 100m record three times this year, capping his seaosn with a 9.69-second performance in September.

At the World Championships in Berlin, Gay finished second to Bolt's 9.58 world record, taking the runner-up spot in 9.71.

Nagging groin injuries forced Gay out of the 200 at Berlin and led to his operation.

"I had pubalgia surgery. Basically it means both my groins were shredded and they had to get repaired," Gay said.

"Some people call it sports hernia surgery but mine was different. They actually cut both sides of my groin and re-stitched them back together."

Since tying the 100 world record in 2008 at 9.77, Gay has been nagged by injuries.

"Now that I'm older and more mature, I understand it's not cool to be hurt and have nagging injuries, so I definitely want to stay healthy and run super-fast every time I step on the track."

AFP