GB Grand Prix Instant Analysis - Tyson Gay Back On Track!

A number of runners competing in Gateshead, Great Britain had arrived in Beijing several weeks ago with gold on their mind, but things did not quite work out as they had originally planned.

The races in Aviva British Grand Prix for Lauryn Williams, Tyson Gay, Wallace Spearmon, and Asafa Powell were partly about exacting revenge but more about proving to themselves and the world that they are still great athletes despite the results in Beijing. The Olympic Games are history and each got back to having success in their own right.

He seems to be a decent enough guy. Despite inclement weather conditions Asafa Powell ran 9.87 in the cold rain.

Which provokes the idea that maybe Powell should employ the services of a sports psychologist. It might be money well spent considering that Powell ran 9.95 in the finals to place fifth in Beijing. He might regret it years from now if he does not exhaust all means to achieve at the highest level.

"Pretty easy, 9.87, I'm very happy," said Powell.

It was great to see the Tyson Gay of old win in 20.25, over OlympianWallace Spearmon (20.41). Gay did not make the highly touted 100-meter Olympic final after losing conditiong from the hamstring injury sustained at the Olympic Trials. Spearmon had locked up bronze medal in the 200-meter finals in Beijing, or so he had thought until learning that he had been disqualified after stepping on the line during the race.

"Getting the victory means a lot, it's nice to get a win under my belt," Gay told the BBC after the race.

Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Gay said: "It was very frustrating, I was going there to get the gold.

"It was tough to watch (Bolt), I know I would have given him a better race."

Lauryn Williams 11.24 won over the Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser (11.29) from Jamaica. Williams placed fourth in Beijing behind three Jamaicans. Later in the meet Williams won the 200-meters in 22.65.

She has nothing to prove and no regrets. Reigning World and Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu of Britain won the 400 meters, in an unimpressive 51.27 seconds.

Click here to watch the Universal Sports video on demand of the Aviva British Grand Prix track meet.

By Jay Hicks.