THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
DALIAN, China - Former UF sprinter Kerron Clement is trying to get used to a big change in a sport where every little detail makes a difference.
In November, the 400-meter hurdles specialist hired Bob Kersee as his coach, and Kersee made him commit to a 13-step technique between barriers. Clement is the defending world champion, but has long struggled with his finishes in the hurdles and wanted to make a change.
A big change in a short time.
"It was kind of risky, but that's the chance you have to take to excel in athletics," Clement said. "You have to take chances."
He finished second behind Bershawn Jackson at Olympic trials, a result that raised some eyebrows. Clement was unconcerned.
"Basically, the plan is to peak at the Olympics, not at the Olympic trials," the two-time NCAA and national outdoor champion said. "So, Bershawn beat me at trials. OK. It's cool."
GAY READY TO GO
American sprinter Tyson Gay says his hamstring is feeling better and he'll be healthy and ready to go when the Olympic 100-meter races start next week.
"When I step on the line in Beijing, don't worry. I'll be ready to go," Gay said Monday before departing for China from Munich, where he had been training.
He has decided to fly to Beijing and skip going to the U.S. Track team's training camp in Dalian because he wants be at Friday's opening ceremonies. Qualifying in the highly anticipated 100-meter dash starts Aug. 15.
Gay, the defending world champion in the 100 and 200 meters, hurt his hamstring early last month at the U.S. Olympic trials while running in preliminary heats in the 200 meters. He already had qualified for the 100. He pulled out of a race in London on July 25, saying he wanted to rest to ensure he was healthy for the Olympics.
In the 100, Gay is expected to contend along with world-record holder Usain Bolt and the man Bolt took the record from, fellow Jamaican Asafa Powell.
A statement released by Gay's manager said he has been on a gradual return to high-level training, that he was joined in Munich by his coach Jon Drummond on July 22 and that since July 11 he has been undergoing treatment from an orthopedic specialist in Munich.
