EUGENE, Ore. - Tyson Gay took a giant swig of water and then another before crouching into the starting blocks.

The American record holder breathed deeply and cleared his mind - forgetting all about the surgically repaired right hip or that he really hasn't tested it out at top-end speed in more than a year.

All that mattered was this race before him, the 100-meter final in the U.S. Olympics trials Sunday night.

And after flying down the track, not a trace of a limp in his step, this much was clear: The old Tyson Gay was back. He finished second to 2004 Olympic gold medalist Justin Gatlin, who crossed the line in 9.80 seconds. Gay was only 0.06 seconds behind, but the time hardly mattered.

"Bittersweet. I always like to win," Gay said. "I came in second. But at the end of the day, it was about making the team. I got to make sure I turn this little bit of a frown into a happy face. For me to start training in March and make the team is a beautiful accomplishment."

Also joining Gatlin and Gay in London will be 23-year-old Ryan Bailey, who edged 2009 U.S. champion Mike Rodgers, Doc Patton and Walter Dix, the Olympic bronze medalist in Beijing.

As expected, LaShawn Merritt cruised to the 400 title. So did Sanya Richards-Ross moments later in the women's race.

Noticeably missing from the 400 team was Jeremy Wariner, the silver medalist in Beijing and 2004 Olympic gold medal winner. He finished a distant sixth and won't be going to London, unless it's as a member of the relay team.

Former Post Falls High standout Ian Waltz throws today in the prelims of the men's discus.