30 April 2010

American 100m record holder and former triple World Champion Tyson Gay says he will use both of Britain’s IAAF Diamond League events this summer to maintain his assault on Usain Bolt’s dominance as King of the track.

Gay, who is one of 14 Diamond League Ambassadors, will contest the 200m at the Aviva British Grand Prix at Gateshead International Stadium on July 10 and the 100m at the Aviva London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace on August 13 and 14.

“Being a Diamond League Ambassador is a huge honour for me and I’m really looking forward to returning to Gateshead for the Aviva British Grand Prix,” he said. “With no major worldwide championship this year, the Diamond League will be the biggest thing in track and field. I always enjoy competing in Britain, and I’m happy to see they have two Diamond League events.”

Injury hindered Gay’s performance at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, but he returned to world-class form last year and earned himself the title of ‘World’s Second Fastest Man’ after his blistering national record performance in Berlin, and then, a month later, equalled Usain Bolt’s former world record of 9.69 seconds.

The Kentucky-born sprinter, who is unbeaten in Gateshead having won the 100m in 2009 and the 200m in 2008, will no doubt be looking for another victory when he returns this year and has already demonstrated his continued brilliant form in 2010 with a 44.89secs 400m in Florida earlier this month, a time which made him the first man in history to dip under 10secs in the 100m, under 20secs in the 200m and under 45secs in the 400m.

“I’ve been to Gateshead twice and was able to win both times," he said. "I’m hoping to make it three in a row when I go back to compete in July.

“The crowd is always great, really lively and energetic. I look forward to giving them a great show.”

Although Gay competed over 200m at Crystal Palace in 2009, he last contested the 100m in 2007 where he cruised to an easy victory in 10.02secs.

“Competing in London is always great,” he concluded. “The stadium is always packed and there’s a great carnival atmosphere.  It’s fantastic racing in front of the Crystal Palace crowd and I’m really looking forward to being there again in August.”

The new IAAF Diamond League is an international series of 14 events, of which the Aviva London Grand Prix is the only event to have a two-day programme.

Tickets for the Aviva British Grand Prix at the Gateshead International Stadium on July 10 and for the Aviva London Grand Prix at the Crystal Palace on August 13 and 14 are available by phone on 08000 556 056 or online at www.uka.org.uk