Bolt warns Blake not to think of 200m victory

LONDON, CMC – Repeat men’s Olympic 100 metres champion Usain Bolt says he has told compatriot and training partner Yohan Blake not to think about winning the men’s 200 metres later this week.

Usain Bolt

The men’s 200m got underway at the London 2012 Olympics with the heats on Tuesday, with both Jamaicans easily advancing to Wednesday’s semi-finals.

Blake shocked Bolt in both sprints at the Jamaica Olympic Trials in June but Bolt warned there would be no repeat of those results this week.

“I heard him (Blake) saying a few things about the 200 metres but I told him after the trials that I am not going to let him beat me over 200 metres,” Bolt said here.

“[He] has a lot more work to do if he is going to beat me over 200m. [That is] because that’s my main event and I am not going to let myself down when it comes to the 200m. I am more serious and determined.”

Last year, Blake went close to Bolt’s 200m World record of 19.19 by running a stunning 19.26 seconds, the second fastest time ever.

In Sunday night’s 100m final, Blake equalled his personal best of 9.75 as he took silver.

Yohan Blake

Bolt, who is seeking an unprecedented repeat sprint double after successfully defending his 100m title, said winning the 200m title was important to his objective of becoming a legend.

“I told him I want this year so I am not going to give him this one,” Bolt said.

“Maybe next year or the year after that, but right now I need this to become a legend so I am working hard.”