The U.S. had long been the world’s preeminent track power, until Usain Bolt and his fellow Jamaicans stole its thunder at the last Olympics.
And even if they’re not the Hatfields & McCoys, even if this rivalry is more about competition than hatred, the U.S. is determined to reestablish its dominance this summer.
Before the two countries clash in London, they will offer up a preview at Saturday’s adidas Grand Prix at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island. The field boasts 40 Olympic or world champions, highlighted by Jamaican Yohan Blake as well as Americans Allyson Felix, Carmelita Jeter and Sanya Richards-Ross, the latter actually born in Jamaica.
“I feel like a true Jamerican,’’ said Richards-Ross, married to ex-Giant and Super Bowl winner Aaron Ross. “We’ve definitely had to raise our game. At the last Olympics, the Jamaicans really put on a great show, and I could feel it inspiring the American athletes, like ‘OK, we need to get back on top of this.’ So I’d say it’s a healthy rivalry. … It’s amazing for the sport. It’s healthy and I’m really enjoying it.’’
World indoor 400-meter champion Richards-Ross, who ran a time of 49.3 seconds last week, will drop down to face Bianca Knight in the 200-meter for speed work and to determine if she will attempt a double at the Olympic Trials.
Three-time world 200-meter champion Felix tests her shaky start in a fast 100-meter field, which includes reigning world champion Jeter, Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Trinidad and Tobago’s Kelly-Ann Baptiste.
“I thrive off competition. I run better when it’s there,’’ Felix said. “To have a race when this many top caliber athletes is an exciting thing. It teaches you to race under pressure.’’
Bolt isn’t entered, while Tyson Gay — recovering from injury — makes his season debut in a “B” heat.
But world 100-meter champion Blake, who will face Olympic silver medalist Richard Thompson and world indoor champion Trell Kimmons, agreed with Richards-Ross about the competition.
“We don’t look at it as rivalry. It’s a competition,” Blake said. “This is business. Us Jamaicans, we love to have fun. It’s really good for the sport, good for running.
“The U.S. was always on top, and we burst onto the scene. Anytime we beat the United States, [Jamaicans] make a lot of noise.’’