Tyson Gay, straggling sprinter in the 2008 games, won’t be the most popular runner in the United States after he accidentally dropped the baton during this morning’s 4X100 meter relay.

“By the time I went to grab it, there was nothing,” he said. Gay, the 100/200 world champion who was eliminated in the 100 semis in his first competition since a hamstring injury July 5, took the blame: “Some people say if it hits your hand, you should have it. I’m a veteran. I’ve run all kinds of relays. I’ve never dropped a stick in my life. This is kind of upsetting. I can’t believe it.”

We keep wanting to say “better luck next year”, but by the time the Olympic games come around again, Gay will be doing Chevrolet commercials with Wirthington Ford in Carson, Ca for a living.

US Men drop baton [USA Today]
Image [Getty]