Tyson Gay cramps, falls in 200-meter quarterfinals of Olympic trials

EUGENE, Ore. – World champion Tyson Gay stumbled and fell in his 200-meter quarterfinal heat today at the U.S. track and field trials and was wheeled off the track.

Gay’s manager Mark Wetmore later released a statement through USA Track & Field saying Gay had suffered “a severe cramp” in his left hamstring.

Gay, who won the 100-meters on Sunday, was running out of Lane 7 when he stumbled, pulled up and went down in a heap, clutching his left leg.

“I saw him pull up and something flew my way,” said Damein White, who was running in Lane 6. “I just tried to keep going.”

What flew White’s way was Gay’s number that had been attached to the back of his shirt.

Walter Dix, who won his heat in 20.56 seconds, said he was aware of what happened to Gay. “Hopefully it was a minor injury and we’ll get him back for the Olympics,” Dix said.

Wetmore said the only other damage to Gay was “a little road rash from his fall” and quoted the sprinter as saying, “I’m very disappointed.”

Gay was said to be at his hotel in Eugene resting and under the care of a physiotherapist.

Wetmore said Gay had spoken of a little bit of tightness in his hamstring during his warmup for the 200.

Shawn Crawford had the top time of 20.33. All the other contenders easily advanced, including Dix, Wallace Spearmon and Xavier Carter. The semifinals are scheduled for later today and the final will be on Sunday.

 helene.elliott@latimes.com