Gatlin, Gay Secure Olympic Tickets

It was the second fastest time of the year after Usain Bolt’s 9:76 seconds and a personal best for the 30-year-old Gatlin, whose previous quickest time was the 9:85secs he ran to win gold in Athens.

Tyson Gay, coming back from hip surgery after nearly a year off the track, also looked ready to take on the world’s best in London as he clocked 9:86 secs for second.

“Everything seems so surreal,” said a smiling Gatlin, dressed in a red Team USA uniform. “I just went out there and gave it my all.”

His start was not the greatest but by 35 metres Gatlin looked like the runner of old as he turned on his speed with Gay close behind.

“His execution down the track was almost flawless,” said his coach, retired sprinter Dennis Mitchell.

It left Gatlin confident he could regain the sprint title in London ahead of the likes of Jamaica’s world record holder, Bolt and world champion, Yohan Blake.

“I think I can go faster … enough to win the gold,” Gatlin said.

Gay had one word to describe his emotions.

“Bittersweet,” he said. “I always like to win. I came in second, but I guess at the end of the day it was about making the team, so I got to make sure I turn this little bit of frown into a happy face.

“For me to start training in March and make the team is a beautiful accomplishment.”

Former junior college champion, Ryan Bailey, claimed the third spot in 9.93, while 2008 Olympic bronze medallist ,Walter Dix, finished last in 10.95 as leg problems continued to hamper him.