Tyson Gay breaks World Record straight 200 meters

American sprinter Tyson Gay has broken a 44-year-old record for the 200 meters run on a straight track.

Gay ran 19.41 seconds into a headwind Sunday on a specially constructed track in Manchester, England, shaving 0.09 off the mark Tommie Smith set in May 1966 at San Jose, California.

Smith was at the Great City Games to watch Gay beat his time, which isn't an official world record because track and field's governing body only recognizes 200s run around a curve.

"Going into the race I knew it was going to be tough to beat the record," said Gay. "It was pretty hard for the first 100 metres or so and I was extremely tired. Kim Collins had an excellent start and I think that motivated me to get down the street. It was truly amazing and it was tough record to break."

Gay now looks forward to his Diamond League campaign where he will face Olympic and world champion, and 100m and 200m world record holder, Usain Bolt in at least three meetings.

The American is convinced he can prevent his Jamaican rival blazing another trail of victories. "I believe it, but he's going to be tough to beat," said Gay.

"Honestly he's in another class right now but I'm working hard to get there. The challenge is for me to work hard to get to where he is at."

Sources: AP, AFP