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Carl Lewis backs USA to dominate sprints

Olympic legend Carl Lewis is backing USA to overcome the Jamaicans in the sprint events at London 2012.

American Olympic legend Carl Lewis has backed his fellow countrymen to dominate in the sprint events at London 2012.

Reigning champion Usain Bolt and his Jamaican compatriot Yohan Blake are the favourites in both the 100m and 200m events.

The USA's best chance comes in the shape of former world champion Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin, a former Olympic 100m champion who is returning from a four-year drugs ban.

Lewis, who won nine Olympic gold medals, thinks that there might be an upset on the cards.

"I think the Americans will dominate the sprints," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"The USA will end up with more medals and more golds than any other country in the sprint events and I think the 100m will be a little different to what people think. Weather is a big factor."

Favourite Bolt won the 100m four years ago with a world record of 9.69s. He bettered that a year later at the world championships with a time of 9.58s.

The 25-year-old was disqualified in the 2011 world championship final, allowing Blake to take home gold.

The two have since formed a rivalry in both sprint events with an eagerly-anticipated showdown in London.

The 100m final will be on Sunday evening, with the 200m to take place next week.

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