Tyson Gay en route to his big win over Usain Bolt in the Stockholm 100m (© Deca Text&Bild)
Tyson Gay, the world leader in the 100m, and Caster Semenya, the reigning World 800m champion, met with the media at a press conference in the lead in to Friday’s (27) Memorial Van Damme, the second of two finals of the inaugural 14-meeting Samsung Diamond League series. Below are some of the highlights.
Tyson Gay (USA), 2010 100m world leader at 9.78, 2007 World 100m and 200m champion -
About the absence of Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell:
“Injuries come when you sprint as fast as we do. That is an issue that you have to learn to deal with.”
“Of course you need strong competition to become a better athlete. To me it’s not so much about the pressure that it generates, but because you want to win races. If the conditions are good, I think I’m always able to execute well.”
“The past two years journalists kept on asking me whether it was possible to beat Usain Bolt in the 100m. Since Stockholm nobody ever asked me that question again.”
On his ambitions for Friday’s Memorial Van Damme:
I had two minor setbacks this year and I feel that there is still more to come. I am not entirely satisfied with what I’ve performed so far. It’s true, I am the fastest man in the world this year but mentally and physically I feel capable to improve my personal best (9.69) if conditions are fine. That is what I’m aiming for next Friday. Don’t forget that Stockholm was only my second 100m of this season.”
>>Read the full story on the Samsung Diamond League Website<<