Yard Talk

The world's fastest man Usain Bolt has joined the 100m field for the DN Galan-Samsung Diamond League meeting in Stockholm, Sweden where he will face countryman Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay for the first time since last year's IAAF World Championships in athletics.

World sprinting's 'big three' will clash for the first time this season on August 6th at the Olympic Stadium, organisers have announced, adding even more fireworks to the event that already had Powell and Gay confirmed even while organisers worked to secure the financing for Bolt's participation.

The last time the three met, Bolt set a world record in the 100m, clocking 9.58 in the German capital of Berlin, with Gay finishing second in 9.71. Powell, a former 100m world-record holder himself with 9.72, finished third on that day in 9.84.

Top three sprinters

Meet director Rajne Soderberg said yesterday it was "a great pleasure" to have the world's top three sprinters running in Stockholm.

"It is a great pleasure to confirm and host this exciting race," said Soderberg. "It will strengthen DN Galan's positioning within the world of sports."

This unique meeting between the world's greatest 100m sprinters is being sponsored by Samsung it was further pointed out.

The race will also be the first of just two meetings between 'The Big Three' this year, with the second clash set for the Samsung Diamond League final in Brussels on 27 August.

Interestingly, Stockholm is the site of Powell's only victory over Bolt in nine races against his powerful compatriot. Powell got the better of the Olympic and world double sprint champion, weeks before the Beijing Games. 

Speaking to the BBC, Soderberg fuelled the flames and hinted of possible revenge for the superstar Bolt.

"I think it was the only (100m) race he has lost in his (professional) life, so he probably wants to come back for revenge," said Soderberg. "He (Bolt) had missed a couple of races (with injury) and did not want to run more 200m, so it is a great honour to have him. This will increase interest in the meeting for the future and (talk of the race) will linger on for years."

SOURCE: Jamaica Gleaner

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