Comments from finalists in the men’s 200-meter dash, courtesy of USA Track & Field, regarding the absence of Lexington’s world champion, Tyson Gay, due to an injury suffered in the quarterfinals:
Rodney Martin, Heat 1 (Winner)
“I would like the best U.S.A. Olympic team to go to Beijing and I would rather have Tyson be here then not even if that means I wouldn’t make the team because that shows I have to work that much harder.”
Wallace Spearmon, Heat 1 (Second Place)
“I just wanted to get out and run a hard turn. I think I did OK doing that. It’s a lot easier to run two 200’s than two 100’s. People may not think that, but I’m having fun doing this. The 200 is my playground. To see a great competitor (Tyson Gay) go down is unfortunate, but it’s a chance for someone else to step up and it’s a wake up call for other athletes to take their time in warming up and being extra careful on their starts. I’m ready mentally and physically for the finals. I’m ready to make this team.”
Walter Dix, Heat 2 (Third Place)
(On Tyson’s absence) “It opens up a spot. Everybody is looking for a spot. I was shocked. I knew his legs were hurting. Everybody is hurting. It’s a long two weeks.”
Shawn Crawford, Heat 2 (Winner)
“I’m really sorry about his (Tyson Gay) injury and I think it takes a little bit of pressure off of everyone because there is now one more spot. I don’t like to eat the cake before its done, I’ll lick the bowl, but it ain’t over till tomorrow.”
Odysseus had Sirens to tempt him.
For me, the Olympics always call. Beijing 2008 marks my 10th Olympics as a writer and, no, I can’t get enough. 
