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Human to Hero: Tyson Gay primed for Olympic challenge

American sprinter Tyson Gay says he's in his prime and fit and ready for the London Olympics.American sprinter Tyson Gay says he's in his prime and fit and ready for the London Olympics.
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Going for gold
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STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • American sprinter Tyson Gay is looking forward to an injury-free Olympic year
  • Gay won three gold medals at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka
  • He is looking to make first Olympic final after struggling for fitness at Beijing in 2008
  • His heroes include Olympic champions Maurice Greene and Jesse Owens
(CNN) -- When Tyson Gay sprinted to three gold medals at the 2007 world championships, it looked like the American would be athletics' next superstar -- but that dream unraveled as another man emerged to conquer all.
Usain Bolt was the name on everyone's lips after the Beijing Olympics the following year, when a hamstring injury meant Gay could only compete in the 100 meters -- and he didn't even reach the final.
However, 2012 finds the 29-year-old from Lexington, Kentucky, in prime condition and ready to challenge Jamaica's world record-holder in London in August.
CNN's Human to Hero series tracked down Gay as he prepares for battle with Bolt in the UK capital, having decided to focus on the 100m event in June's U.S. trials.
Starting out
"I played football in high school, I played baseball when I was younger, things like that, but I think it was the passion I had for track where you want to do an individual sport and be the best, I think -- there's nothing that can replace that."

Human to Hero: Tyson Gay

Tyson Gay's Olympic ambition
Gay's promise on the track was clear from an early age, though it wasn't until he had turned 14 that he could beat his older sister Tiffany, who he says has inspired him.
He became a three-time 100m state champion at Lafayette High School and his time of 10.46 seconds in a 2001 state meeting remains a record. He was the first athlete in history from the University of Arkansas to claim a National College 100m title.
Heroes
Gay says an illustrious American quintet of Olympic medal winners have proved an inspiration to his career.
Carl Lewis and Michael Johnson, who share 13 Olympic gold medals between them, are joined by the legendary Jesse Owens, who won four golds at the Berlin Games of 1936.
Jon Drummond, who won a gold and a silver in Atlanta in 1996, and Maurice Greene, who secured two golds at Sydney in 2000, complete the list.
Tyson Gay: Fast facts
Event: 100m, 200m

Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky

Age: 29

Honors: 2009 IAAF world champion 100m, 200m

Olympic appearances: 2008

Daily routine: Up around 6.15 a.m. - 6.30 a.m. Five hours training every day

Calories: 3,500

How do you relax? Play video games (Call of Duty), fishing, music (Rick Ross -- Rich Forever)
"When I grew up Carl Lewis was still running, Maurice Greene was running -- he was that figure I see, like Michael Johnson. I really wanted to look up to the fast guys -- so those two guys were some of the guys I looked up to.
"In history class at school it was Jesse Owens. You had to learn about him first before you got to Maurice Greene and those guys.
"I do some training with Jon Drummond -- he's given me a lot of great advice. Maurice Greene as well. He'll text me sometimes to check how I'm doing to see how an injury is going. That really means a lot to me."
London 2012
Gay has never made an Olympic final but is intent on breaking that run in London when, once again, 100m and 200m world record-holder Bolt will be the man to beat.
"This is my biggest Games. I think this is me in my prime. I'm gonna be fit and ready. I'm gonna put everything into this one," Gay said.
"I really believe it's going to be one of the most exciting Olympics in history. I want to run with the best, that's how I've always lived.
"Basically, last year I ran on one leg and ran 9.7 seconds. I know I can be a lot more dangerous as long as I stay healthy and get a lot stronger in the weight room.
"I haven't been to an Olympic final yet, so I know it's going to be a different type of atmosphere but I'm thinking I can control it.
"I've really learned over the years how to control my adrenaline and let it all out when they shoot the gun versus letting the crowd and the lights and the camera get to me.
"So I'm thinking I can handle it, but I think I will be a little bit nervous."











Today was no ordinary stroll in the park; it was the day to witness the 'definitive story' of a man who, only decades ago, implored us to "emancipate" our minds.  Show time was slated for 8pm and the anticipation of every member of the audience present that evening was almost tangible. Everyone who was anyone was there; from fans to family and dignitaries among them, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, Rita Marley, and Chris Blackwell, all featured in the film.
Organizers even conveyed that over 100 media entities from across the globe were accredited to cover the event. The VIP area was packed to capacity so much so that high profile guests opted to sit on the floor or stand throughout the movie where there were no seats available.  Marley once questioned, "Is this love, Is this love that I'm feeling?" It is without a doubt that we can say on April 19th 2012, the massive turnout with very little signs of chagrined guests was an affirmation of one love for the King.

Despite of the minor uproar by some disgruntled patrons who condemned the use of the red, green and gold Rasta colours as a carpet, the event commenced shortly after 8pm.  Veteran reggae musician Michael 'Ibo' Cooper welcomed guests and introduced a spirited procession of Rastafarians who sang and chanted praises to Jah as they blessed the event. After a few words from dignitaries and an exuberant Bob Marley inspired dub poem by Majah Bless, director Kevin MacDonald finally introduced the film.

Without giving too much away, the movie begins in the hills of St. Ann where Robert Nesta Marley was born to mother Cedella and father Captain Norval. As his cousin recalls their childhood along with the  help of Bob's former colleague, Bunny Wailer we learn of his humble beginnings and also gain insight on his natural inclination to 'stand out'.  We are then taken to Trench town where Bob would spend the remainder of his childhood and launch his musical career.  The struggles of the young Bob trying to get his footing within the music industry were all brought forward. 

Macdonald soon after channelled the Bob we are more familiar with, the soul rebel, the Rasta man. As the movie progressed we see how his discovery of the Rastafarian doctrine defined his life and crafted the man we know of today.  Macdonald delved deep into the more intimate details of his life, uncovering different sides of Bob, some of which many in attendance were unaware of. Beyond the spiritual musician was Bob; a father, husband, charming lover, friend, footballer, competitor, peace maker and philanthropist among other things. The narratives combined with the illustrations and clips were so ingeniously compiled that even amidst the noticeable drizzling of raindrops, members of the audience were too enthralled to even budge for shelter.  

Meanwhile a single firefly danced above their heads, they laughed, whispered commentaries to their neighbours and then were silenced by the breath-taking elements of Bob's life. And then came the emotional ending. With the diagnosis of terminal cancer, the viewers were notably caught in their own reverie as they clenched to edges of their seats secretly hoping for a happier ending than the one they knew would come. The film concluded where it began, in the hills of St. Ann where Bob was laid to rest. 

Jamaicansmusic.com gives Kevin MacDonald's MARLEY: The Definitive Story a 5 out of 5. The manner in which he captures the very essence of the life of Bob Marley is simply riveting. Anyone who has ever been touched by Bob through his music or intrigued about his life would appreciate MacDonald's work. Having watched the film and realized its invaluable contribution to the Jamaican music legacy, the only thought that lingers is; why wasn't a film of this significance released ages ago.




Directed by Kevin MacDonald ("The Queen" and the "Last King of Scotland"), the Marley movie is headed to theaters on April 20. the day known ironically in America as "420" celebrated by many as cannabis day.

Includes interviews with Bob, Rita and Ziggy Marley.

It will be premiering in Jamaica in Emancipation Park in Kingston, Jamaica in a free screening on hursday, April 19 2012.

For more information visit: http://www.bobmarley.com/marley_the_movie.php




Sakima Mullings and challenger Devon 'Concrete' Moncrieffe @YMCA March 31 2012 MAYHEM
Leroy Brown, Gleaner Writer
Dubbed 'Mayhem at the YMCA' March 31 - Commonwealth Boxing Council Zonal Middleweight title fight between champion Sakima Mullings and challenger Devon 'Concrete' Moncrieffe, lived up to its billing. It was non-stop action for the duration of the fight, as both boxers waged a war of attrition that left spectators hoarse from cheering and at the end, Mullings walked away with a majority decision.
SEE PHOTO OF FULL COVERAGE BELOW