World awaits clash of Bolt, Powell and Gay

Usain Bolt (R) of Jamaica crosses the finish line ahead of Tyson Gay (C) of the U.S. and Asafa Powell (L) of Jamaica to win the men's 100 meters final during the world athletics championships at the Olympic stadium in Berlin, August 16, 2009. Photo/FILE

One of the main questions in this early part of 2011 is: When will the trio of the world’s top sprinters - Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell - clash?

Will it be at one of the Diamond League meetings or only at the World Championships in Daegu?

But the latter is also not granted as only Bolt has the wild card as defending world champion, and the other two must qualify through their national trials.

One thing is for sure. They will not meet during the indoor season. All three will not compete under cover as it was expected and as it was in past years.

Bolt has never competed indoors, Powell has run some 60 metres races in his career, the last in 2004 (PB 6.56), and Gay’s last was a 400m in 2007 (47.08) and has a 6.55 best from 2005.

But world record holder Bolt plans his usual winter training competitions in Jamaica with some 400m races and relays.

Gay also said he might do some 400m in April and the plans of Powell are not known yet, but he also used winter meets in Jamaica as part of his preparation in the past.

Interestingly, Gay said on his twitter during New Year: “While y’all out having fun at the club, I’m at home studyin’ and thinkin’ about the world record.”

Other top sprinters like Daniel Bailey, Yohan Blake or Walter Dix are not planning to run indoors. (EME News)