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 uneventful 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 comfortably, winning their heats. The quarterfinals were set for later Friday.
All three are expected to make Saturday’s final — perhaps the most highly anticipated event of the 10-day track and field meet that opened at the Bird’s Nest with Bolt running in the first heat.
That trio has run the eight fastest times ever.
Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.