Gay says he's a fast healer

BEIJING - When the Olympic torch was lit shortly after midnight local time last Friday, Tyson Gay considered the opening ceremonies finale a perfect 26th birthday present. But by far, the best gift Gay received in recent weeks was a quick recovery from a left hamstring strain suffered during the US track and field trials in July.

At a news conference yesterday, Gay pronounced himself ready to run in the men's 100-meter competition, which starts with qualifying Friday and continues with the semifinal and final Saturday. As the defending world champion in the event, Gay is a medal favorite, along with Jamaicans Asafa Powell and Usain Bolt. But he must prove his fitness in the qualifying rounds, especially since has not raced since suffering the injury.

"The hamstring is 100 percent now," said Gay. "It took about four weeks to get fully recovered and things like that. But I've basically been getting rehab on it and doing some light training during the process."

When asked if had any concern about not racing since suffering the injury, Gay said, "Not at all. I'd rather be 100 percent coming to the Olympics than risk being 85 percent and going to a meet just to see where I'm at. I had a few chances in practice to see where I'm at, and that gave me a confidence booster."

With Gay having run the fastest 100 in history (a wind-aided 9.68 seconds), Powell a former world record-holder, and Bolt the current world record-holder (9.72), the men's 100 final is one of the most anticipated races at these Olympics. It may take a world record to claim the title of world's fastest man. For Gay to do that, his hamstring must be 100 percent and stay that way throughout the competition. (Shira Springer, Globe staff)