OLYMPICS/ Athletes
American sprinter Gay aims at Beijing 2008
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-08-27 21:08
OSAKA, August 27 -- American sprinter Tyson Gay, who just won the men's 100m in Osaka world athletics championships, said his next big goal is 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
"I have done a big step forward in the direction of Beijing 2008 - and this will be the big goal," said Gay, who will turn 25 in September.
But he added: "Beijing in another year. We have to wait and see what happens until then."
His main rival, Jamaican world record holder Asafa Powell got only a bronze in the duel with 9.96 seconds.
"We have long looked forward to this duel. And I think somehow we are both winners," Gay said.
"He has taken the bronze this time, but he could well come back with the gold next year in Beijing. We have a great rivalry which is good for the spectators. And I hope that we will produce some great races in the future," he added.
Powell, also 24, set the record of 9.77 seconds two years ago, which is still a challenge to Gay.
"The world record is a goal as well," Gay said, "But I want to do it step by step."
His immediate next step will be the 200m in the championships. The heat will begin on Tuesday while the final will be on Thursday.
"I will now relax and have some massages before concentrating on the 200 meters," he said.
In the IAAF history, only two sprinters, Maurice Greene and Justin Gatlin, both American, ever won 100m and 200m in the same world athletics championships.
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