By Susan Porter, World-Track
LONDON — Triple world champion Tyson Gay is set to race over 200metres at the Aviva London Grand Prix, his final tune up race before defending his sprint titles in Berlin next month.
The American who won both the 100m and 200m at the last IAAF World Championships in Osaka, in 2007, leads the world in both events after blasting 19.58secs for the 200m in May and then sizzling to 9.77secs over the shorter sprint last week.
After missing the Beijing Olympics because of injuries last summer, Gay is confident he can defend his titles in Berlin, but is expecting serious challenges from the man who holds the world record in both sprints, Usain Bolt of Jamaica.
"I want to go to Berlin and defend my titles, and I’m happy with my progress this season so far. But we have a way to go.” Gay said.
He sees the meeting as the ideal opportunity to finalise his preparation ahead of the showdown in the German city.
"The race in London is important for me as a final test for the World Championships,” he said. “I’ve only raced once this season in the 200m and I was really happy with that.
“Another 200m fits perfectly into my preparation for Berlin at this time and London will be the place to do that.”
Bolt will also be in action at the meeting which takes place on July 24 and 25.
The Jamaican has, however, signed up for the 100m, an event he holds the world record at 9.69seconds.
The 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics will run from August 15-23.
