• London Olympics 2012

Blake sends Bolt a warning with strong Lucerne showing

ESPN staff
July 18, 2012
Yohan Blake (right) is in fine form coming into the Olympics as he targets Usain Bolt's 100m and 200m titles © PA Photos
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Visit our venue map to see where Blake and Bolt will do battle

Yohan Blake fine-tuned his Olympic preparations with an impressive 9.85s in the 100m at the Lucerne meet on Tuesday evening, winning in style despite being disappointed with his start.

It was Blake's first competitive run since he beat Usain Bolt twice at the Jamaican Olympic trials and he lowered the Lucerne record of 9.86s set by compatriot Nesta Carter two years previously.

Blake's appearance at the Spitzen Leichtathletik meet is expected to be his only outing between the trials and the Games, and he is feeling confident ahead of London 2012.

"Definitely I am on the right path for the Olympics," said the 21-year-old world champion. "This is where I am supposed to be. I want to remain unbeaten and that's what I am doing."

Only Bolt (9.76s) and Justin Gatlin (9.80s) have gone faster than Blake's Lucerne time this year.

"I got the meet record, which is wonderful. I didn't come here to run a quick time but it's still a fast time. Not many guys run 9.85s," said Blake, who still found room for improvement in his display.

"My first part was poor but, as you can see, the last part is always 'The Beast' part," he added in reference to the nickname bestowed upon him by training partner Bolt.

Blake clocked an incredible 9.75s to beat Bolt in Kingston in June at the trials and also bettered him in the 200m with a 19.80s.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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