EUGENE, OREGON – Now, that’s more like it, Tyson.

In the quarterfinals for the 100 meters, Tyson Gay decided to run the entire 100 meters, setting a new American record in the process with a time of 9.77.

Or did he?

“I eased up a little bit, but I’m not worried about the record. I thank God that I was able to run a PR, but that’s what I want to do in the finals.”

If Gay did ease up, it was with one meter to go.

The previous American record was held by Maurice Greene with a 9.79 at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

Usain Bolt holds the world record at 9.72, a feet the Jamaican prodigy set last month in New York.

As for Gay, he easily qualifies for Sunday’s semifinals and makes up for his earlier blunder in the prelims, which could have cost him his chance at going to Beijing.

Jeffery Demps, an 18-year-old stud from Florida, ran a 10.01, breaking the United States high school record in the 100 meters.

Demps is heading to the University of Florida in the fall and will play running back for and the Gators.

Good luck trying to catch him all you Southeastern Conference defensive backs.

The men’s semifinals in the 100 meters is Sunday at 2:30pm Pacific.

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

TAGS: Eugene 08, Tyson Gay

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