Tyson Gay: The Fastest American Ever

Tyson Gay couldn’t beat his older sister in a footrace until he was 14 years old. Now, with his 30^th birthday looming the day after the Olympic 200-meter finals, Gay has beaten just about anyone who gets in his way.

He won the 2004 NCAA Championship in the 100-meter dash running for the University of Arkansas. With the win, he became the first Razorback to win the title in the 100.

Gay became a three-time world champion in 2007. He took gold in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4 by 100-meter relay during the games in Osaka, Japan. That year he won the Jesse Owens Award, the highest honor in track. He won the USA Track and Field’s highest honor again in 2009.

Coming into the 2008 games in Beijing, Tyson Gay was the American favorite to win the 100-meter dash. He won the race at the Olympic trials, but his quest for a medal ended in disappointment with a hamstring injury. Gay bounced back in 2009, bettering his American record in the 100 three different times. His personal best time of 9.69 seconds still stands as the fastest ever run by an American.

Injuries have certainly put a damper on Gay’s already brilliant track career. When he’s healthy, he’s one of the best. Spaced four years apart, timing is a huge component of Olympic greatness. With age thirty coming before the closing ceremonies, Gay looks to stay healthy for one last shot at the top because nothing says, “Happy Birthday” like gold.