Athlete – Track & Field
Tyson Gay became a powerfully fast runner early in life. He broke the Lafayette High School track records in both the 100 and 200 meters. At the Kentucky High School State Championships in 2001, he won gold in the 100 meters in a time of 10.46 seconds, which was a new state record. Tyson also won the silver medal in the 200 meters with a personal best time of 21.23 seconds.
After high school, Tyson attended Barton County Community College. At the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) championship in 2002, Tyson won the 100 meters, and at the NCAA in 2003, he won the bronze in the 100 meters (10.01 seconds) and silver in the 200 meters (20.31 seconds). Tyson transferred to Arkansas to join its nationally-acclaimed track and field program. At the NCAA Men’s National Outdoor Championship in 2004, he became Arkansas’ first 100-meter NCAA national champion, setting a school record of 10.06 seconds and helping Arkansas win the national title.
In 2005, Tyson decided to compete at the professional level. Throughout his professional career, Tyson won or medaled in multiple championships, including the NACAC U-25, World Athletics Finals, World Championships, World Cups, Continental Cups, Diamond League Finals, and too many others to mention. He also competed in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympics, yet Tyson is best remembered as holding the United States 100-meter record with a time of 9.69.
seconds. This time is also shared by Yohan Blake and is the second fastest time ever recorded in track history behind Usain Bolt. He is the first man in history to go below 10 seconds in the 100 meters, below 20 seconds in the 200 meters, and below 35 seconds in the 4 X 100 relays.
Tyson lives in Florida but still visits Kentucky to see family and friends. He has been quoted as saying, “I’m a spiritual man, so I believe God gifted me and gave me this ability, that I can do the unexpected. I do believe I can break a record, or come close to it, or win a medal.”
