Gay withdraws from 200; hopes to compete on 4x100 relay
For Immediate Release
Monday, August 17, 2009
Contact:
Jill M. Geer
USA Track & Field
Chief Public Affairs Officer
508-520-1529; Jill.Geer@usatf.org
BERLIN - Defending world champion Tyson Gay will not compete in
the 200 meters at the World Championships and instead will focus on
preparing for a possible appearance in Team USA's 4x100m relay.
Competing all season with an injured groin, Gay ran an
American record 9.71 seconds in Sunday night's final of the men's 100
meters to win the silver medal. The effort took enough of a toll on Gay
that he decided resting would better serve the interests of Team USA
and himself.
"Rather than risk further injury, I've decided that I will not
compete in tomorrow's first round of the 200m," Gay said Monday night.
"I would like to be a part of Team USA's 4x100m and believe this
decision will give me the best chance to be ready for the relay. I
want to help our relay as best I can."
Team USA will
determine its first-round relay lineup after the men's 200m final on
August 20. The first round of the relay is on Friday, August 21, with
the final on Saturday, August 22.
Doug Logan on Tyson Gay's withdrawal from 200m Statement from USATF General Secretary/CEO Doug Logan on Tyson Gay's withdrawal from the 200 meters:
"Tyson Gay's performance on and off the track is a model for athletic excellence, sportsmanship and dignity in defeat. We fully support and are humbled by his decision to put the team first and withdraw from the 200 meters so he can better prepare for a potential contribution to the 4x100 relay. I have been impressed with Tyson every step of the way leading up to Berlin, and never moreso than at these championships."
For more information on Team USA at the World Championships, visit
www.usatf.org
About USA Track & Field
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& Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field,
long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF
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For more information on USATF, visit
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