Tyson Gay said the injury that has kept him off the track for the last month has actually helped his preparation as he has been able to relax away from the spotlight and focus fully on the Olympic 100m.

"My state of mind is pretty relaxed," Gay said.

"It was a setback but I think it helped me being away from the media for a while; no interviews for three or four weeks. It's really kept me relaxed. I haven't had anxiety about the whole Olympics because I've just been in rehab, so I think it's really helped mentally.

"I don't feel as much pressure now. My hamstring feels good, I've had a lot of treatment and this is the Olympics so I'm sure that with all the adrenalin flowing I'm going to be 100 per cent."

Gay said his absence from last month's big European meetings and the performances of Asafa Powell and Usain Bolt had shifted the pressure on to the Jamaican duo.

"Running my (wind-assisted) 9.6 in the 100, a lot of people said, he has to win, he's got to be the favourite. But at the same time, I had a slight injury, so it put the pressure back on the other competitors."

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