BEIJING, China (CMC):Olympic medallist Frankie Fredericks is making no predictions about the 100 metres, already billed as one of the biggest clashes in recent Olympic history.
The Namibian, who took silver in both sprints at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics Games, said he believed either Jamaicans Asafa Powell or Usain Bolt were good enough to win the event.
"I'm not a gambling man. We have to wait to watch it. Both are great young men," Fredericks told CMC Sports. "I wish them all the luck as I was once in this position in (Atlanta) '96. All I can tell them is that this is a different place and they just need to keep their heads level and do their best. They are both capable of winning and we will see at the end of the day. I will make no predictions but just wish them the best."
Strong contenders
In addition to Bolt and Powell, American Tyson Gay is also expected to challenge strongly, although a cloud currently hangs over his fitness after he sustained an injury in the recent United States trials.
Trinidadians Richard Thompson and Darrel Brown, two impressive Caribbean athletes, will also be leading contenders for the three medals on offer.
Quizzed as to if he knew the formula behind the Caribbean producing such world class talent in such numbers, Fredericks admitted he was at a loss.
"I'm not sure. I'd like to find out so I can take it back to Namibia and the African continent so as to bring through some of the talent there," Fredericks joked. "Whatever it is, it is indeed working and working very well."
Region's strength
Fredericks identified the strong competition in the track and field system throughout the schools in the Caribbean as a possible reason for the strength and depth in the sprints, noting that the region's strength had been there for a while now.
"Even from the days, I started competing against Donovan (Bailey), Linford (Christie), to me they are all from the Caribbean, and then Ato (Boldon), it's great," the 40-year-old said. "I'm friends with these guys and that is the way they approach their sports. It's wonderful that you can compete with the best and right after you finish, you can be friends. This is what I treasure."
