Does it get bigger than Gay vs. Bolt? Not in 2010

Tyson Gay beating Usain Bolt in the 100m in Stockholm sent shock waves throughout the Olympic sports world this summer and was our choice for the Top Performance of 2010. We explain the significance of the feat and what its lasting impact might be.

By Joe Battaglia, Universal Sports | Posted: Dec 23, 9:23a ET | Updated: Dec 23, 9:58a ET


When the IAAF launched the Diamond League, its 14 mega-meet series, it did so hoping to revive a sport on life-support by delivering the marquee head-to-head match-ups that are the lifeblood of the World Championships and Olympics.

With events such as the sprints naturally lending themselves to the showdown concept, and having one of the world's most prominent athletes as the marketing linchpin, it seemed like a can't-lose proposition.

But nothing great ever comes that easy.