Gay suffers ‘severe cramp’ in 200m quarterfinals

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

Although he had to be 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 Sunday, was running out of Lane 7 and clutched his left leg as he went down in a heap.

Walter Dix, who won his heat in 20.56 seconds, said he was aware of what happened to Gay. ‘Hopefully ... 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