Tyson Gay's 100 metres win over Usain Bolt last week in Stockholm was just the result world athletics needed after two breathless years of Bolt domination.
This is not a slur on theentertaining Jamaican, who has hauled track and field off the floor and began a process that today sees the sport's popularity soaring again.
Far from it. But, after amazing crowds all over the planet with his world records Bolt was in danger of becoming a serial winner, and we all know what a turn off that eventually becomes.
This was not Gay's fault, of course. There is not much more the American could have done. After all, he also broke the existing world record during last year's world final in Berlin. Problem was, Bolt went even faster. It was a case of seven of the world's fastest menturned up and watched Bolt's backside disappearing down the straight.
Until now. True, Bolt was carrying an injury in Stockholm that has forced him to quit the rest of the season but a win is still a win and Gay's self-belief has rocketed sky high as a result.
The sport of athletics will now be praying that they have a true rivalry on their hands to match Federer and Nadal. Let's hope so, for if this comes to pass the men's 100 metres Olympic final in 2012 in London will be the hottest ticket in town.
