Sick and tired of reading shallow previews of the men’s 100 meters at the Beijing Olympics, where the only three names mentioned are “Bolt, Powell, and Gay”?
Well I’m here to let you know that there will actually be more than three people involved in the race in Beijing, even if the aforementioned trio will most probably end up sweeping the medals.
Before I do that however, I should probably give my prediction on which of the “Big Three” will be crowned the World’s Fastest Man.
1st: Usain Bolt (Jamaica) – Anyone who’s seen Bolt’s world-record performance of 9.72 in New York where he completely blitzed the world champion Tyson Gay would find it hard to go past the young Jamaican for the gold medal.
Despite his recent loss to Asafa Powell in Stockholm, Bolt would have to have another horrendous start if he were to lose at the Olympics.
The only other potential roadblock standing between Bolt and the gold is his coach, who still is yet to decide whether he will actually contest the 100 meters at Beijing or simply focus solely on the 200. For everyone’s sake, let’s hope that Bolt is permitted to run.
2nd: Asafa Powell (Jamaica) – I originally had Tyson Gay in this position. However, a combination of Gay’s injury sustained at the US Olympic Trials and Powell’s seemingly great form over the last week has swayed me to believe that Powell will take the silver medal.
His victory over Bolt in 9.88 seconds, followed by a run of 9.94 seconds to take first in London indicates that Powell is over his recent spat of injuries and is ready to peak at the Olympic Games.
His history of underperforming at major meets (fifth at the 2004 Olympics and third at the 2007 World Championships), makes it difficult for me to reconcile that Powell will be physically or mentally capable of outrunning Bolt in the final.
3rd: Tyson Gay (USA) – It seems that no one will know just how serious the injury that Tyson Gay obtained at the US Olympic Trials is until he steps foot onto the track in Beijing in two weeks time.
If Gay is fully fit and in peak form in the final (like he was when he ran 9.77 and a windy 9.68 at the US Trials), he is clearly capable of beating Powell home, and his experience in winning major titles could even perhaps give Gay the edge over Usain Bolt.
However, Gay’s lack of preparation for the Games, whereby he will not compete at any meet before the heats of the 100 meters, will make it difficult for him to come to the Olympics in peak form, and ultimately could cost him a chance at the gold medal.
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