Finals field set for men’s 100
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EUGENE, Ore. -- Tyson Gay didn’t need to be reminded where the finish line was. His 9.85 was the fastest semifinal time Sunday, and although he said he was ‘a little fatigued,’ he also said he feels good.
Walter Dix of Florida State was second in that initial semifinal, at 9.93 seconds. Also advancing were Rodney Martin (10.03) and Xavier Carter (10.09).
In the second heat, Wallace Spearmon Jr. was outleaned by Michael Rodgers for fourth and the last berth in the finals. Darvis Patton (10.04), Travis Padgett (10.11), Leroy Dixon (10.17) and Rodgers (10.178) advanced. Spearmon’s time was 10.179.
‘Now I have to make the team in the 200,’ Spearmon said. ‘This was a good workout.’
He also predicted that Gay ‘should win. I think he’s the favorite.’
Patton, asked what he wanted to work on for the final, replied, ‘top three,’ as he walked past a line of reporters.
Jeff Demps, the Florida high-schooler, was timed in 10.34, last in the second semifinal. ‘I’ll come back strong next year,’ said Demps, who will be a running back for the Florida Gators next season.
--Helene Elliott