Tyson Gay 100 percent and having time of his life
BEIJING, China - Just moments after Tyson’s 26th birthday began, the Olympic flame was lit in Beijing’s National Stadium as the awestruck sprinter looked on after marching in the lavish Opening Ceremony.
“That was the best present I could ever hope for, right there,” Tyson told a packed a packed press conference of international journalists on Monday.
It’s been a great week for the triple World Champion. Injured in the 200m quarterfinal of the US Olympic Trials on July 5, Tyson said his left hamstring is finally 100 percent and that he’s ready to go when the preliminary rounds of the 100-meter dash begin on Friday.
Calling these Olympic Games “the greatest experience of my life,” Tyson talked about the fun he is having in the Olympic Village and spending time around athletes from other sports, from the NBA to water polo. He was stunned when he asked Kobe Bryant to pose with him for a photo, and the all-star in turn asked how his leg was coming along.
“That was like crazy, you know?” said Tyson, who immediately began sending text messages, including one to his mother, to report the adventure.
Getting back to business, the American Record-holder said he is ready to take on his 100-meter opponents, including World Record-holder Usain Bolt and former World Record-holder Asafa Powell, in one of the most eagerly-awaited events of these Olympic Games. It will be the first time in history that three men who have run under 9.80 seconds will likely meet in the final of a 100-meter race.
“Asafa Powell is looking good right now. Usain Bolt is looking great as well. They're putting up phenomenal times," Tyson said. "I haven't been on the track since [the Olympic Trials], but I've had some good practices and I feel that, if everything goes well, it could be a real fast time. With three guys who can run 9.7, anything is possible."
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