In the Norwich Union London Grand Prix tomorrow evening Tyson Gay will attempt to break the World 100-m record jointly held by Asafa Powell and Justin Gatlin of 9.77-s.  

Certainly he has the ability, and the top speed and has already run faster than the world record this season, albeit a wind assisted 9.76-s.  

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=V5s8DgXRjGQ 

But as the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Osaka draws closer what will limit Gay in achieving the WR? 

Well, this would definitely be the start of the 100-m. Gay has been inconsistent this season but has been working with former US sprinter John Drummond in an attempt to correct his starting technique.

If we look closely at Gays body angle following the initial push out of the blocks this looks to set up his poor starts. Rather than his torso being at an angle of around 40-50 deg and back being straight, his torso is slightly bent and crumpled.

What this means is that the unbelievable force he generates is not optimally transferred to horizontal speed because of his crumpled and therefore weaker core musculature.  

If Tyson Gay nails the start on Friday night, floods or no floods, there will be a new world record holder.   All comments welcome.