Tyson Gay favors Bolt over Powell

DAEGU ― The world’s second-fastest man expects Usain Bolt to win the 100 meters dash at 2011 World Championships in Athletics to take place here starting Saturday.

“Right now I’m leaning towards Usain Bolt,” said Tyson Gay, the U.S. record holder for 100 meters, during a press conference at the Adidas Media Center Thursday. Gay had been asked how to predict how Bolt and his Jamaican compatriot Asafa Powell will perform at the championships.

“I think (Bolt) is a championship performer,” said Gay, who is in Daegu to support his U.S. teammates.

Gay was considered a strong contender against Bolt at this competition, but was unable to compete due to hip surgery.

Having dealt with hip, abductor and hamstring injuries in the past, Gay decided to undergo the surgery last month to better prepare for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Gay told the press that he could have chosen to simply patch things up and run in this year’s championship but believed that it was a better decision to undergo the procedure.

With his sights sent on 2012, the U.S. sprinter is looking to ease back into training within the year. “I’m going to take it slow. I think November is when I’m going to start jogging again and hopefully by December I’ll be in full training,” said Gay.

Gay said that he is looking to improve his overall health and that as long as he undergoes the correct rehab, he will have not have problems.

At the 2007 World Championships Gay beat Powell in the 100 meters and Bolt in the 200 meters.

With a third gold in the 4x100 meters relay, he joined U.S. legends Carl Lewis and Maurice Greene in taking home three golds at a single track and field meet.

Gay is also a strong advocate of anti-doping efforts, and regularly undergoes tests to show the public his efforts are all natural.

“I think you are setting an example for the sport and I think Daegu’s efforts are setting a standard for the 2012 Olympics,” said Gay.

This will be the first International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships in which every athlete will be tested for performance enhancing drugs.

By Robert Lee (robert@heraldcorp.com)