Jamaican Track and Field Athletes

Yohan Blake breaks Lucerne meet record in final race before Olympics

LUCERNE, Switzerland — Yohan Blake warmed up for the London Olympics by timing 9.85 seconds to win the 100 metres at a Lucerne meet Tuesday in his first competitive race since beating Usain Bolt twice at the Jamaican Olympic trials.

Blake was far from the fastest out of the blocks but powered through the field with legal wind assistance of 1.6 metres per second. Jamaica teammate Michael Frater was second in 10.00.

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

Blake chose the low-key Spitzen Leichtathletik meeting to make what is expected to be his only appearance between the trials and the London Games.

He is scheduled to open his Olympic program when the 100 heats start on Aug. 4.

Blake lowered the Lucerne record of 9.86 set by fellow Jamaican Nesta Carter two years ago.

“I got the meet record, which is wonderful,” Blake said. “I didn’t come here to run a quick time but it’s still a fast time. Not many guys run 9.85.”

Only three-time Olympic champion Bolt (9.76) and 2004 Olympic winner Justin Gatlin (9.80) have run faster this season.

There was still obvious room for improvement out of the blocks.

“My first part was poor but, as you can see, the last part is always ’The Beast’ part,” said Blake, referring to the nickname given him by his training partner, Bolt.

Blake clocked a personal best and world’s season-leading time of 9.75 to beat Bolt in Kingston last month. He also ran a world-leading 19.80 to beat Blot and win the 200.

After his brief trip to Switzerland, Blake will return to the Jamaican team training camp in Birmingham, England.