Source: Agencies

08-15-2008 13:41

Special Report:   2008 Beijing Olympic Games

Tyson Gay of the US competes in his men's 100m heat at the National Stadium during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games August 15, 2008.  [Agencies]

BEIJING -- This looked more like a workout than a true test. Either way, Tyson Gay easily made it through the first round of the Olympic 100-meter dash Friday.

Racing for the first time since crumpling to the track with a hamstring injury six weeks ago, America's fastest sprinter enjoyed an undramatic debut at the Beijing Games, coasting to the finish to win his preliminary heat in 10.22 seconds.

World record-holder Usain Bolt and fellow Jamaican Asafa Powell also advanced with ease, winning their heats. The quarterfinals were set for Friday evening in Beijing.

"It feels good," Gay said, referring to his left hamstring. "I felt a little sluggish the first round, but my body is woke up now."