100m Showdown Possible for Beijing Olympics

(ATR) The stage is being set for a record-setting showdown at the Beijing Olympics in the 100 meter dash after Tyson ran the fastest time ever for the event during the U.S. Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon.

Gay ran the final Sunday in 9.68 seconds, under the current world record of 9.72. But a 4.1m per second assisting wind kept Gay’s finish from setting a record. IAAF rules permit no more than a 2m per second assisting wind.

The 100m record is held by Usain Bolt of Jamaica, but he has still not declared whether he will run that race in Beijing. His specialty is the 200m event.

The anticipation of a showdown for the 100m title in Beijing will be the first major drama to unfold involving sport and the Beijing Olympics. The coming Games have been marked by a preponderance of attention to stories outside of sport, such as political controversies, air pollution and security.

The heats for the 100m in Beijing take place August 15, followed by the semifinal and final on August 16.

The Olympic record for the 100m is 9.84 seconds, set in 1996 by Donovan Bailey.

Written by Ed Hula

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