By Steve Campbell, World-Track
MONACO – Despite aching from a sore groin problem, American world champion Tyson Gay is keen on taking on Asafa Powell in the 100 metres at the DN Galan in Stockholm on Friday.
"Something really unexpected would have to happen (for Gay not to compete)," his agent Mark Wetmore told Reuters. "He really wants to run Stockholm."
Gay, who clocked 20.00seconds dead to win the 200m at the London Grand Prix on Saturday, is currently nursing a groin injury that threatens the defense of his world championships sprint double in Berlin next month.
The American plans to continue his preparation in Germany after his race in Stockholm, as he gears up for the well anticipated clash between himself and Jamaica’s world record holder and Olympic champion Usain Bolt.
Wetmore said Gay is eager to push himself to be ready for the worlds, as "he knows he is not going to be at the fitness level he wants to be if he rests between now and then."
After his win on Saturday Gay immediately went to physio tent for treatment, where he revealed he was feeling uncomfortable.
"My groin has been tight on me, I’m trying to take a little Advil (painkillers) to run through the pain. I’ve got to be tough about it. I don’t feel it when I run, it’s after."
His aim his race away all the pain, but one cannot help but to think that he is doing more harm than good to himself.
At last year’s meeting, Powell rocketed from the blocks to beat Bolt prior to Olympics and win on Friday would certainly to world of good to the former world record holder who is being slowly written off for a medal in Berlin
