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Gay Tops 100m Record-Holder to Claim Gold

Powell hears footsteps, takes 3rd behind new Olympic favorite

By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 26, 2007 1:03 PM CDT
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(Newser) – American Tyson Gay blazed past the world co-record holder in the last 20 meters of the 100m dash to take gold in the World Championships today in Tokyo. Jamaican Asafa Powell was faster out of the blocks, but "I panicked," he said. "I felt him coming on." Gay broke the tape in 9.85 seconds; Powell's 9.96 left him in third.

Bahamanian Derrick Atkins overtook the Jamaican at the finish line to nab second place in 9.91. With the victory, Gay automatically becomes the favorite for the 2008 Olympics. "After 60 meters I saw that I could catch him—and it worked," he said. Powell is already looking toward Beijing: "Next year, I will get him."

USA's Tyson Gay, left, reacts after crossing the finish line to win the gold medal in the final of the Men's 100m dash at the World Athletics Championships Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007 in Osaka, Japan. At right is Jamaica's Asafa Powell who finished third in the race. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)
USA's Tyson Gay, left, reacts after crossing the finish line to win the gold medal in the final of the Men's 100m dash at the World Athletics Championships Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007 in Osaka, Japan. At right...   (Associated Press)
Tyson Gay of the United States crosses the finish line to win the gold medal in the final of the Men's 100m at the World Athletics Championships Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007 in Osaka, Japan. At bottom is Derrick Atkins of the Bahamas, silver, and at left Jamaica's Asafa Powell, bronze....
Tyson Gay of the United States crosses the finish line to win the gold medal in the final of the Men's 100m at the World Athletics Championships Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007 in Osaka, Japan. At bottom is Derrick...   (Associated Press)
USA's Tyson Gay (1100) crosses the finish line to win the gold medal in the final of the Men's 100m dash at the World Athletics Championships Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007 in Osaka, Japan. At left is Bahamas' Derrick Atkins, silver, and at right is Jamaica's Asafa Powell, bronze. (AP Photo/Anja...
USA's Tyson Gay (1100) crosses the finish line to win the gold medal in the final of the Men's 100m dash at the World Athletics Championships Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007 in Osaka, Japan. At left is Bahamas'...   (Associated Press)
USA's Tyson Gay reacts after winning the gold medal in the final of the Men's 100m dash at the World Athletics Championships Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007 in Osaka, Japan. His behind is Asafa Powell. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)
USA's Tyson Gay reacts after winning the gold medal in the final of the Men's 100m dash at the World Athletics Championships Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007 in Osaka, Japan. His behind is Asafa Powell. (AP Photo/Itsuo...   (Associated Press)
USA's Tyson Gay reacts after winning the gold medal in the final of the Men's 100m dash at the World Athletics Championships Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007 in Osaka, Japan. His behind is Asafa Powell. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)
USA's Tyson Gay reacts after winning the gold medal in the final of the Men's 100m dash at the World Athletics Championships Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007 in Osaka, Japan. His behind is Asafa Powell. (AP Photo/Itsuo...   (Associated Press)
Tyson Gay of the United States crosses the finish line to win the gold medal in the final of the Men's 100m at the World Athletics Championships Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007 in Osaka, Japan. At left is Derrick Atkins of the Bahamas, silver, and at right Jamaica's Asafa Powell, bronze....
Tyson Gay of the United States crosses the finish line to win the gold medal in the final of the Men's 100m at the World Athletics Championships Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007 in Osaka, Japan. At left is Derrick...   (Associated Press)
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COMMENTS
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Gay's ascendancy, Powell's injuries
CNN

Play-by-play of the showdown
USA Today

The marquee event of the 9-day meet doesn't disappoint
New York Times

Gay has no problem with being called a mama's boy
Bloomberg

 
race • athlete • running • IAAF • 100 meter dash • Derrick Atkins • Tyson Gay • Asafa Powell • World Championships

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