NEW JERSEY, USA - American sprinter and 100m record holder Tyson Gay believes Usain Bolt has taken away "a bit" from what he and former world 100m record holder Asafa Powell used to do.   

Gay, who recently spoke with CNN's Alex Thomas about his expectations for the 2012 London Olympic Games, also spent some time talking about the sport's newest sensation.

Tyson states that Usain has taken a little from what he has done and also from what Powell has done in the sport.

"I think he's maybe took a little bit from what I do, maybe take a little bit from what Asafa does, I mean you have to, there's no other way to look around it," explained Gay.

Since Usain's stunning rise at the 2008 Olympics where he won the sprint double in world record times 9.69 (100m) and 19.30 (200m), a year after which he lowered those marks to 9.58 and 19.19 to take the 2009 World Championship double, Gay and Powell have virtually gone unnoticed.

Tyson dominated up to the 2007 World Championship when he won the sprint double, easily defeating Bolt in the 200m. Powell's record breaking dominance stopped in 2008.

Gay however plays the gracious role of ''give unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar'', because according to the American "I think he had his raw natural ability and put everything together. But, in that sense I think he has looked at different athletes, tried to make himself the best he can be to beat his competitors."

Despite that and the fact that Bolt, barring injuries, will be in London to defend his Olympic titles, Gay who has never made it to an Olympic final, believes this is his year. He anticipates it to be one of the most exciting Olympics ever in history.

Gay also adds that the competition amongst himself, Asafa and Usain is definitely good for the sport of Track and Field and he is elated about competing amongst the best.

Tyson also stated that he refuses to leave London without a medal and is looking forward to running his personal record this year.