Gay undergoes successful groin surgery

By Gene Cherry

SALVO, North Carolina (Reuters) - World 100 meters silver medalist Tyson Gay has successfully undergone surgery on a painful groin problem that hampered him during much of the athletics season, his manager said Saturday.

Mark Wetmore told Reuters minor surgery had taken place on both sides of Gay's groin in Philadelphia Friday.

"The doctor (William Meyers) was really, really happy with the surgery and Tyson should start walking today," Wetmore said.

He said the American sprinter should be able to start light training in December after a month's rehabilitation and be fully recovered in time for next year's outdoor season.

Gay, 27, began experiencing problems with his groin in July but continued to run saying the injury was more painful when he sat down or walked than when he ran.

The American finished second to Jamaican Usain Bolt's 100 meters world record 9.58 seconds at the world championships in Berlin in August but did not attempt to defend his 2007 world 200 title because of pain from the groin.

He later equaled the second-fastest 100 meters of all time when he clocked a national record 9.69 seconds in Shanghai in September.

DIAMOND LEAGUE