Athletics
Gay, Powell go head-to-head
2012-07-03 12:44
London - Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell will step up their preparations for the Olympics with a showdown at the London Grand Prix Diamond League meeting later this month, it was confirmed on Tuesday.
The second and third fastest men of all time will take to the track at Crystal Palace on July 13-14 less than one month before a potential meeting in the 100m final at the Olympics.
American star Gay won the US trials last week in a respectable 9.86 seconds, while Powell, the former world record holder finished third behind Yohan Blake and Usain Bolt in the Jamaican trials.
While Blake and Bolt look to be in a league of their own - clocking 9.75secs and 9.76secs this year - Gay and Powell are determined to lay down markers of their own in London.
"I haven't raced much this year and I'm feeling better each time out there on the track," said Gay.
"My body is getting closer to where I want it to be. I've shown over the years that through all of the injuries, I'm a fighter, and I hope to be fighting for that Olympic gold in London later this summer."
Powell, 29, added: "This is a big year for me. I'm not getting any younger but there's a lot more to come from me. I've learned a lot from past major championships. I don't take anything for granted and I'm working as hard as ever. I know that I'm capable of running 9.8, 9.7, 9.6, so all that I'm focusing on is myself.
"I'm looking forward to taking on Tyson. It's good to have him back and it's going to make for a very competitive Olympic Games."