The 22-year-old Blake (pictured above, second right), who won the world 100m title last summer after Bolt (pictured above, far left) had been disqualified for a false start, crossed the line in 19.80sec, with Bolt 0.03 behind.

On Friday (June 29), Bolt lost to Blake by a margin of 0.11 in the 100m final.

Bolt has always made it clear that the 200m is the event closest to his heart, and while he has lost over 100m since breaking through to win the Olympic 100 and 200m titles in world records at Beijing 2008, he has been beaten over the shorter distance, notably by Tyson Gay in Stockholm two years ago.

Over 200m, however, Bolt has been unbeatable – until now.

Outside qualifying rounds, his last 200m defeat was in September 2007 in Brussels, where Blake finished last season with a victory in 19.26, the second fastest in history behind Bolt's 2009 world record of 19.19.


Blake's (pictured above) appetite for training has earned him the nickname of "The Beast", and while Bolt has been on the international circuit this year his younger rival has remained at home.

"I have been working hard and am seeing it paying off now," Blake said.

"I was not surprised by the big win.

"I know what Bolt has to offer and I know he was not at 100 per cent.

"I just tried to keep my form."

After blaming his 100m loss on his poor start, Bolt said his latest defeat was due mainly to a poor bend.


"I was very sad with my turn," said Bolt.

"It was awful, but I've been working more on the 100 metres.

"I can't blame it on that, though.

"I just have to get my things together and get it done."

But he said he was confident he would be in peak condition by the time of the Olympics.

"It's all about work and just needing to get my things together and get it right," Bolt said.

"I've got to get in the work and figure out what I did wrong.

"I have to work hard to get ready for the Olympics.

"I think I am a little bit weak but three more weeks should be good enough to get back into shape."


Glen Mills (pictured above), who coaches both men at the Kingston-based Racers Track Club, said: "Usain, he has the experience, the ability.

"He has been there already.

"He might be a little off at the moment but I'm sure when the time of delivery comes around, he'll be on top of his game."

Bolt added: "I can never be discouraged.

"I'm never worried until my coach gets worried, and my coach isn't worried, so I'm OK."

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