Sport
I don't hate Bolt, says Gay
BY PAUL A REID Observer Writer reidp@jamaicaobserver.com
Friday, September 03, 2010
AMERICAN 100m record holder and the second fastest man in history Tyson Gay has denied speculations that he hates double world record-holder Usain Bolt.
In an interview in Split, Croatia on the eve of the start of the IAAF/VTB Bank Continental Cup competition, Gay dismissed the notion that he hated the Jamaican track superstar.
"I don't hate Usain Bolt deep down inside (laughs)," the IAAF website quoted Gay as saying when asked to respond to what Bolt had told reporters in London earlier in the week.
Bolt, who is in London promoting the release of his book, is reported to have told the BBC that Gay "probably just hates my guts" because he (Bolt) has dominated major championships over the past three seasons.
Bolt hadn't lost an individual race in two years until last month, when Gay beat him in Stockholm in a 100- metre race and said, "Deep down I think he probably just hates my guts".
Gay, however, defined his relationship with Bolt as a mutually respectful one.
"Our relationship is cool. I've known him since 2005... 2006, since we've been competing against each other in Jamaica. I've always had a cool relationship with him on the track and off the track. We've never gone to a club together or anything like that, but it's always been a mutual respect on my part. So that's how it's always been for me."
Gay had beaten Bolt in the 200m at the 2007 IAAF World Championships in Helsinki, Finland, but since then has played second fiddle to the Jamaican at major meets.
The American was also on the losing end when Bolt broke the world record in the 100m for the first time at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York in 2008.
Gay is undefeated over the 100m this season and has beaten all the top Jamaicans including Nesta Carter in Zagreb on Wednesday, "I'm pretty happy with the victory. I didn't run as fast as I wanted to run, but at the same time I still had the win. I'm undefeated this season (at 100m) and that's what's most important."
Gay, who shares the fastest time in the world this year (9.78 seconds) with Jamaican Carter, is in Split where he will compete in the 4x100m relay as part of the Americas team.
Gay told the press conference he had been looking forward to teaming with both Bolt and Asafa Powell for the relays in Split, but the Jamaicans ended their seasons early.
"I'm a little disappointed. I thought it was going to be Usain, myself, Asafa and someone else. I figure we could run 36 seconds. But maybe another time."
Gay was not eligible to run the individual 100m as he did not compete at his National Trials.
 
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9/5/2010
There is a lot of stupid bashing by some badmind and self-righteous people. UB cooled off the tension and face pouting brought about by them arrogant American athletes over the years. I have a lot of respect for Tyson Gay as he's a tremendous competitor, but I still love to see him follow in the dust of UB. Long may it continue. Bolt is our HERO! Praise him for being our champion and the good he's bringing our country and leave the negative to the foreigners who probably hate his guts!
9/3/2010
This isn't news worthy. I do not think Bolt was being literal. furthermore, diplomacy is not necessarily Bolts aim. Some of us just try to find fault with others at all times.
I am not even a Bolt fan.
As for Gay, he is far from humble, so leave Bolt alone and let him enjoy is fame era.
Gay was subdued by Bolt, Gay is a proud and irking fellow, just imagine if he was the fastest man alive.
9/3/2010
Fitzroy Whilby, what exactly is your point? Your 1st sentence has no relevance here. Joe Biden, vice president of the might USA, has been exposed on several occasions for what has now become his trademarked loose tongue. Bolt may have miscalculated the implications of his utterances, but that's not sufficient reason for same to be thrown into the lion's den. Unno fi lo di yute & gi him a chance fi correct him misstep. Suh, Wins Diaz & Co, hophaf a di man bumpa. One love, wi seh!
9/3/2010
Usain should let his feet do the talking instead of always shooting off his mouth these days.. I am tired of reading some stupid quotes from him i.e. he wants to play football, he wants to be a cricketer, he wants to try the long jump and now Tyson Gay hates his guts..The same media that is courting you now will turn on you in a second..be smart and learn from examples..don't believe the hype and allow yourself to be used so they build u up and then tear u down at the first opportunity
9/3/2010
I can't believe so many people are making this a serious issue. Have we all lost our sense of humor and sportsmanship? Consider the enrtire context in which the comment was made. As for Tyson Gay, he has made gaffes at times too, but it's nothing monumental. Leave Bolt alone. I'm sick of all these "perfect" Jamaicans who are always poised to throw their darts at others over nothing.
9/3/2010
Bolt's statement is more like how Manley and Busta were supposed to "Hate each other's guts" . The only thing I did not like was the "GUTS" part. This is "Pseudo - hype" but not real Hype, since the competition is REAL and is the fiercest IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD BETWEEN SPRINTERS. Real hype ALWAYS has a dishonest part to it, to cover up something, OVERPROMOTE SOMETHING,or hide something , OR "plant" stories in media written by ONE'S OWN FRIENDS/EMPLOYEES and so on. THIS HATE IS GREAT!!!
9/3/2010
So Bolt said "Gay hates my guts" I can imagine it was out of jest, but as usual you have to watch what U say especially in the age of cameras, listening devices etc. They want to sell books and newspaper, anything to stir up controversy..no news here.
9/3/2010
Why should their be a SURPRISE? Is'nt he a MEMBER of the RACERS track CLUB. This has been a shown BEHAVIOUR of these members, NAMELY , Bolt and Blake, always HYPING and BOASTEROUS.
Now can you IMAGINE if this was a MEMBER of the VIP Track Club, exposing the same BEVAVIOUR. How about 80% of jamaicans would be RIPPING and RIDICULING this Club and Mr Francis.
What Mr. FLEETY-FOOT DIPLOMAT should do , is INVEST MONETARILY in some COMMUNICATION CLASSES if he wants to REPRESENT DIPLOMATICALLY
9/3/2010
People you now see that the Jamaican Govt. should not be too swift in bestowing all hese honors upon Bolt. He is a gifted young man but has a lot of growing up to do. Even if he was thinking it, he should not have uttered those words. Diplomacy should be exercised at all times, especially when you are in the media limelight. Hats off to Gay, he has always conducted himself in a professional and respectful manner. Has never blamed anyone for his failures.
9/3/2010
People please read the entire interview at : www.guardian.co.uk/2010aug28/usain-bolt-interview. He was taken out of context, bad,bad.
9/3/2010
Bolt is just trash talking Tyson Gay, both of them are good guys. its good for the sports and it will also bring in more money in their pockets as more people wil be watching to see who is going to play second fiddle , each time they run against eachother.
Fans, we`re into something like the days of Ali and smoking Joe Fraser.
9/3/2010
I actually agree with Caswell Palmers comment. I do not think Usain was saying Tyson Gay hates him but a figure of speach. Usain need sto return to letting his spikes talking. bad comment.
9/3/2010
Usain made a most unfortunate comment. I understand hype but it neva soun good. Of course the UB worshpppers will jump pon my case for disagrreing with his utterance but "Ah so"
9/3/2010
Tyson, no problem mon! That was just rhetorical. Trash talk, if you will. We love the competition. Keep it going.
9/3/2010
bolt is being ridiculous. so what if he's out for the rest of the season? doesn't he have is book signings to keep him in the news? what immature behaviour, because he is not the fastest this year. come better next season. in the time being stop acting like a child.
9/3/2010
Bolt is an inspiration to people all over the world. But his statement about Gay is out of line. If he thought it, he should not have said it. From what I have seen from Gay so far, he has carried himself in a decent, humble and respectful way. I think Usain should apologise. It is not always about the hype it is about the community/sport of which he is a leading light.
9/3/2010
The rivalry,good for games,the good ole thrash talks,like, 400 m, johnson, said.
It makes for more interesting things and pay.
Lightening bolt-raggamuffuns, to da world.
9/3/2010
Wow! I did not know about that Americas team that could have included Bolt, Gay and Powell. What a spectacle that would have been. Pity.
I respect this guy, Tyson Gay, a lot.
9/3/2010
When I read that story about Bolt saying what he said, I was disappointed for two reasons.
1. The Observer report I read had a headline that suggested that Bolt SAID that Gay hates his guts. Then I read that Bolt said that Gay PROBABLY hates his guts. So my first disappointment was with the faulty reporting.
2. I am disappointed that Bolt would even say that.
9/3/2010
For a long while people have been giving Bolt a free pass that he is young but initiating such a stupid conflict with Gay who seems to be always a professional is not cool. He needs to have a publicist and professional group made up of marketers and qualified consultants to groom him in communication namely diction, delivery, clarity and most importantly to remind him how to behave.
His actions and conduct make me cringe, unlike Powell and VCB who embody perfection and international presence.
9/3/2010
Is Usain getting stupid. Who are his advisers. Humble yourself youth-man. Be gentle with your tongue!!!
Dont let things get to your head. Be a gentleman..I like Gay response dont get into the mud..
9/3/2010
we gotta keep our 4x100 record at home sorry gay never
9/3/2010
During his BBC interview Bolt essentially said the same thing Gay is saying about their relationship being "cool" - one of mutual respect. Exactly the same thing in meaning, but of course the media (particularly the BBC) will want to talk up the most controversial statement during the whole interview.
9/3/2010
I dont think Usain mean it literally that Tyson hates him its just a figure of speech. He meant it must be frustrating for Tyson to be running at his best and playing second fiddle to him in major championships which any athlete would be.
Tyson maybe saying what do I have to do to beat this guy at a major championship thats all he meant, but u know what journalist are like, taking a mole hill and turning it into a mountain.
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