Olympics: Three 100m favourites negotiate Olympic heats

Friday, 15 August 2008

BEIJING - The three fastest men in history, world record holder Usain Bolt, reigning double world champion Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell, all cruised through their Olympic 100m heats here on Friday.

Jamaican Powell, the only sprinter to have recorded five runs under 9.80sec, led the way with 10.16sec in a packed National Stadium on the first day of athletics action.

Bolt, who stripped compatriot Powell of his world record in May with a 9.72sec run, eased up at the line to record 10.20sec, while American Gay finished in 10.22sec.

Also among the early qualifiers were Jamaican 2005 world silver medallist Michael Frater, who looked comfortable winning his heat in 10.15sec.

The Trinidadian duo of heat winner Richard Thompson and Darrel Brown, and Kim Collins, gold medallist at the 2003 worlds, also progressed.

Britain's American-born sprinter Tyrone Edgar also qualified in a time of 10.13sec.

The men's shot putt saw Pole Tomasz Majewski lead the qualification standings, on 21.04m.

The favoured American trio of Adam Nelson, Reese Hoffa and Christian Cantwell all moved through to the final later Friday, reaching the qualifying mark of 20.40m with ease.

"I was a little flat but it got over the line, so that is all that matters," said Hoffa.

"I feel very good. I expended very little energy so I think I have a lot to give in the final."