Tyson GAY

The top right photo above shows the closing few metres of the men's 200m final at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka. Tyson (right of picture, no. 1100) can be seen streaking towards the line and about to strike gold in a time of 19.76 secs, thus shaving 3 hundredths of a second off the previous championship record held by the legendary Michael Johnson. Usain Bolt (709) won the silver and Gay's compatriot, Wallace Spearmon, the bronze.

Tyson's victory completed an outstanding sprint double - he had won the 100m title a few days earlier  and he can be seen savouring the moment in the bottom right photo. The left hand photo shows Gay during the semi-finals whilst the middle image shows the American in full flow during the final. Not content with two golds, Tyson then rounded off what had already been a memorable championship by adding a third in the 4x100m relay!

Men's 200m. Final

2007 World Athletics Champs

The race finish pictures above show Tyson (lane 5) crossing the line to take gold in the final of the mens 100m at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka. Derrick Atkins (lane 6) won the silver medal and Asafa Powell (lane 4) - who was expected to fight it out with Gay for the gold medal - the bronze. Gay later commented "It just feels so good and it was important for me to beat the world record holder.

Powell had an excellent start but when it got to 60m, I thought I could catch him. I'm looking forward to racing him again and I think there will be a great rivalry in the future. I believe I can get the world record another day, but for now this is a stepping-stone and I want to stay focused on Beijing (Olympics)." It was Tyson's first medal at a major championship but it would prove to be just the beginning of a memorable few days for the American; he would go on to strike gold again in both the 200m (see next page) and the 4x100m.

Men's 100m. Final

2007 World Athletics Champs