American sprinter Tyson Gay said on Thursday night he’ll probably focus on the 100 metres this season.

“I think I can be more focused and fix some things if I do focus on it,” he said on Thursday.

The record-holder isn’t sure he’s in good enough shape to run the 200 well. Because of soreness in his right hip, Gay’s training has been uneven since February.

Gay said he was 90 per cent certain he’d skip the 200 at the US championships later this month, which serve as qualifying for world championships. The decision could have the pleasant side effect of improving his time in the 100 when he’s expected to take on Usain Bolt at August’s world championships.

“There hasn’t been a year I’ve taken off from doubling,” Gay said two days before racing the 100 at the Adidas Grand Prix in New York City. “I always have to do over-distance and make sure I’m real fit. I don’t get to do too much speed work.”

Gay ran a world-leading 9.79 seconds at a small meet in Florida last weekend - and insists he was only 75 per cent.

Bolt’s world record is 9.58.

Training partner Steve Mullings is No. 2 at 9.80, and they’ll race at today’s Adidas Grand Prix in New York City.