KINGSTON, Jamaica — Glen Mills, coach of World record holder Usain Bolt, says he is impressed by the remarkable performance of Tyson Gay in the 200-metres last Saturday, but insists the performance does not affect them.
Gay, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury at the U.S. trials last summer and again in the winter with a knee injury, returned to competition with an eye-poking 19.58seconds clocking at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York.
But while acknowledging the time, which is the third fastest ever in the event, was quite impressive, Mills is not worried.
"I am not surprise (Gay) ran so fast," said Mills, who believes the American will be Bolt’s strong competition this season.
"Tyson is a very good athlete and I am impressed with what he has done in his rehabilitation.
"It (his time) doesn’t scare us, but we take everyone seriously," he added.
Gay is without doubt Bolt’s most fierce rival for the sprint doubt titles at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin later this summer and Olympic champion believes racing the reigning world champion prior to the meeting would be his ideal preparation.
"I definitely want to meet Tyson Gay before the world championships and is looking forward to that showdown," Bolt said.
"If he beats me or I beat him on day, I will know where I am at in my training."
Gay is considered one of most accomplished curve runners in the world, but Bolt does not believe that will be a problem for him when they meet.
"I think (the winner) is going to be determined on the straight because I am very strong running back," the 22-year-old Jamaican said.
"I am just looking forward to that clash over 200m because it’s going to be very interesting and I am looking forward to some competition this year.
"Tyson told me that (this year) over the 200m is going to be interesting so I was expecting him coming out here and get back on track," Bolt added.
Meanwhile, Bolt has dismissed reports which suggested that he would chase three individual titles at the London Olympic Games in 2012, stating that somebody got it wrong.
"No, no, not for me, not possible," he said. "Somebody got it wrong along the line.
"I will be doing 100m and 200m, or the 200m and 400m, but not all three events. No."
Bolt, who last month ran the fastest 150m time over 14.35sec, after returning from a car accident, will next race over 100m on 11 June at Toronto’s Festival of Excellence meeting.