Former World 100m record holder Asafa Powell said athletics fans can expect some serious fireworks this summer now that American Tyson Gay has joined Jamaicans Powell and Usain Bolt in the 9.7 realm.
Gay stormed to an American 100 record of 9.77 seconds on Saturday at the US Olympic trials, moving to third on the all-time performers list behind Bolt, who ran 9.72 four weeks ago in New York to break Powell's previous world mark of 9.74.
"Three guys running 9.7 now. It's going to be some exciting times ahead," said Powell, who finished second Saturday at the Jamaican Championships in 9.97 behind Bolt's 9.85.
"You can expect some serious fireworks" when all three race in the same meet," Powell added. But do not expect that before the Beijing Olympics in August, according to Bolt's coach, Glen Mills. Gay was second to Bolt in 9.85 at New York and that victory by Bolt was good enough until Beijing, Mills said.