'It sucked being No2' - American sprint legend finally opens up on intense rivalry with Usain Bolt

American sprint legend Tyson Gay has finally opened up on his intense rivalry with Usain Bolt during their active years, revealing how 'it sucked' being No.2.

The retired track icon who competed in the 100m and 200 meters with respective Personal Best (PB) times of 9.69s and 19.58s, makes him the American record holder in the 100m, tying him second fastest in history along with Yohan Blake.

Despite his achievements and winning medals in many major international competitions, including three gold medals in the 100m, 200m, and 4 × 100m relay at the 2007 Osaka World Championships, Gay remained second fiddle to Bolt.

Years after their fierce rivalry, the 42-year-old has now opened up on how he felt being in the era of the world's fastest man in history.

"It sucked. It sucked in a good way, you know, so my heart always goes out to Usain Bolt. But at the same time, like when you get introduced as a number two, everytime someone introduce you," said Gay on The Athlete's Lounge podcast.

He further revealed how he's waiting for the present era to break his and Bolt's records.

"...But it was cool man, but like you said I've had that record for so long and I'm sitting here enjoying the sport, waiting for other people to run faster than me and faster than Usain, you know I'm patiently waiting because I know what's going to happen.

"But during that time, you know, it definitely was a blessing to even run those times with injuries and trying to regroup and stay focused with my coach, etc, so it was cool in that sense but it also sucked, like when you're trying to get to No1, but you had Usain obviously you know taking over," he concluded.

Gay hanged his spikes as one of the greatest sprinters in history.