Jamaica's Steve Mullings (right) getting home ahead of American Tyson Gay in the men's 100 metres at the Adidas Grand Prix on Randall's Island in New York yesterday. Both finished in the identical time of 10.26 seconds on a rainy and windy afternoon. - AP

RANDALL ISLAND, New York:

One by one the obstacles popped up. One by one Jamaica's Steve Mullings knocked them down.

On his way to winning the 100 meters at the Adidas Grand Prix meet here on Saturday, and defeating one of the world's biggest sprint stars in the process, Mullings beat back the unnerving scenario caused by multiple false starts that rattled the nine-man field and led to the disqualification of three runners - Americans Rae Monzavous Edward and Travis Padgett, plus Trinidadian Richard Thompson.

Then he steeled himself against severe breathing problems, caused by the rain, strong headwind and uncomfortably cold conditions, with temperatures dipping near 60 degrees.

Finally, Mullings held his nerve to stave off fast-finishing American Tyson Gay, the pre-race favorite, as both men stopped the clock at 10.26 seconds to cap a stirring stretch duel.

His problems did not end there. Gay showed a slight post-race limp, due to a lingering injury which he said slowed his explosiveness out of the blocks. But Mullings generated more concern when he was ushered to the medical tent at trackside, holding his chest while gasping for short breaths. He was treated with oxygen and cloaked in a blanket for several minutes before being allowed to meet the curious media.

"I have a slight asthma," Mullings disclosed. "I can't run in the cold ... Every time I run in the cold my chest gets tight."

But while he said he felt "good" to win, Mullings immediately defused suggestions that Saturday's Samsung Diamond League victory over Gay meant his hot form so far this season - including a personal best 9.80 - would give him extra confidence or psychological edge over Gay. His training partner, he explained, is still working his way toward full fitness.

"For Tyson, he's running at 70 percent. I'm more race sharp because I've been racing," he said. "He's been treating his injuries."

Mullings also explained that he has yet to prove himself against the best by excelling at a major global meet like the Olympics or World Championships.

"I've still got a lot to learn," Mullings said. "I don't know what it's like to be in a championship final ... (Saturday) was more of me working on my race than beating Tyson."

false starts

Gay said he too was "somewhat" put off by the false starts, "but you try to block it out." He later criticised the current false start rule, which led to the disqualifications.

"I just hope something gets done about it," said Gay, who prefers each runner be allowed one false start.

Dressed in a bright red top, which contrasted sharply with the predominant green vests worn by most of the field, Gay was not hard to pick out. But his start was sluggish and Mullings took full advantage, blasting into an early lead then maintaining his form through the line.

"I just tried to get out of the blocks and hold on," Mullings said.

He is used to Gay closing fast.

"Yeah, we've been running like that since college," Mullings explained. "So I know that he's gonna be coming."

Mullings also credited the intensity at his training environment in Florida for keeping him calm as the dangerous American bore down rapidly towards the end of the race.

"If you train with all those fast guys, it's not gonna be easy for me to come out here and panic," he said. "I know how to handle that pressure from training."