TYSON Gay, the sprinter with the dubious honour of being the world’s second fastest man, is convinced he will close the gap on sprint king Usain Bolt in 2010. The 27-year-old, who equalled Bolt’s former world record of 9.69 seconds in Shanghai last September, has confirmed his participation at both British legs of the 14-stage Diamond League series in Gateshead and Crystal Palace.
As Bolt has made his habitual slow start to the season, making sporadic appearances on the track, Gay has already been catching the eye, clocking 44.89 seconds over 400m earlier this month in Florida.
That made him the first man in history to dip under ten seconds over 100m, 20 seconds over 200m and 45 seconds over 400m.
Gay was hampered with a groin injury last year that resulted in his pulling out of the 200m at the World Championships in Berlin, having collected silver over 100m behind Bolt.
But the former world champion over both 100m and 200m believes an injury-free season this time around will take him closer to the Jamaican – and insists he will show his mettle at the Diamond League meetings.
“With no major worldwide championship this year, the Diamond League will be the biggest thing in track and field,” he said. 
“I’m healthy and for me to open over 400m with 44.8 by accident, having not been training in spikes or done any speed work, I think that’s amazing.
“And I’m really looking forward to staying healthy going into a World Championship year. My groin does feel 100 per cent and I’m very happy about that.
“I’ve already programmed my mind to run faster than 9.69 this year.”
Gay has fond memories of competing on British soil, having secured victory over 100m in Gateshead last year and over 200m the year before, while he last contested the 100m in Crystal Palace in 2007, easing home in 10.02 seconds.
“I always enjoy competing in Britain, and I’m happy to see they have two Diamond League events,” he added.
“I’ve been to Gateshead twice and was able to win both times.  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.
“And competing in London is always great. 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.”(Eurosport)