Tyson Gay beats Asafa Powell at Gateshead Stadium

Jul 12 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

IF the Diamond League’s raison d’etre is to provide more attention-grabbing contests between the world’s top athletes, a sparkling head-to-head between Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell in the blue riband race ensured its British debut was a success.

The men’s 100m more than lived up to its great expectations as, running into a headwind, both broke the ten-second barrier – something no one had done here until Powell equalled his own world record in 2006.

There was intrigue to go with the speed, Gay snatching victory without even realising after Powell had led until the last two strides.

It was a dazzling return by the second fastest man on the planet, whose season has been delayed by niggles but who was also quicker in the heats than Powell, Usain Bolt’s equal in 2010.

He claimed afterwards to be “still rusty,” but Powell did not believe him as he headed off to contemplate Friday’s Paris showdown with Bolt.

There were plenty of other world-class athletes on show, Vincent Chepkok and Piotr Malachowski producing Gateshead’s best ever 5,000m and discus performances and Phillips Idowu and Lisa Dobriskey the home winners.

It only added to the disappointment of so many empty seats.

With Gateshead’s contract expiring this year, it could have been a use-it-or-lose it opportunity – we cannot complain about being treated as second-class citizens by the sporting authorities if we do not turn up in force when a show of this scale comes to town.

Away from the glamour of competing for four-carat gems and five-figure cheques there were other battles going on, just as important in their own way.

Since bursting on to the scene in 2005, Nick McCormick’s has been a losing one.

Having gone out so hard from the gun, his career had hit the wall.

The last two years have been miserable for the Hexham man – losing his lottery funding, missing out on Olympic selection and unsure of his best distance.

On Saturday he was bright and bubbly despite coming tenth in the 1,500m. He did so in a season’s best time – another season’s best time – of 3:37.97.

It is amazing what a clear mind can do for you.