Three 100m favourites negotiate Olympics heats

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

BEIJING, (AFP) — The three fastest men in history, world record holder Usain Bolt, reigning double world champion Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell, all cruised through their Olympic 100m heats here on Friday.

Jamaican Powell, the only sprinter to have recorded five runs under 9.80sec, led the way with 10.16sec in a packed National Stadium on the first day of athletics action.

Bolt, who stripped compatriot Powell of his world record in May with a 9.72sec run, eased up at the line to record 10.20sec, while American Gay finished in 10.22sec.

Walter Dix of the United States, touted by many as a possible gate-crasher in the 100m, qualified after finishing third in his heat in 10.35sec behind Portugal's Francis Obikwelu and Nigerian Obinna Metu.

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