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Yohan Blake wins sprint double at Jamaican trial

4th July, 2016
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Yohan Blake checked the clock as he crossed the line, then knelt for a moment in prayer and tore open his singlet in his traditional manner of celebration.

He looks every bit the part of an Olympic contender again.

Just as he did four years ago, Blake is going to the Olympics as Jamaica’s 100m and 200m national champion.

In the absence of the injured Usain Bolt, Blake won the 100m on Friday and capped his country’s senior national championships – the nation’s version of an Olympic trials – on Sunday with a victory in the 200m, prevailing in 20.29 seconds.

“The feeling is really good,” Blake said.

“Four years ago, I won. Four years in the future, I won again. That just shows I have heart. I’ve been working miracles in my life. This is what miracles are all about. I listen to my coach, I execute my race well and I get the victory.”

He doesn’t make it seem miraculous.

At times, such as Sunday, he makes it seem easy.

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Blake beat Bolt in both the 100m and 200m finals on this same track at National Stadium four years ago. There was no Blake vs Bolt showdown this time, with Bolt pulling out of the meet on Friday night with a mild tear in his left hamstring that puts some doubt on his availability for the Rio Olympics next month – where he wants to become the first man or woman to win gold in the 100m three times.

Blake fully expects Bolt to be ready for Rio.

Nickel Ashmeade – who was also second to Blake in the 100m final on Friday – was second again, this time in 20.45 seconds. Julian Forte was third in 20.46.

Reigning 100m hurdles world champion Danielle Williams clipped a barrier and crashed out of the final, with the win going to Megan Simmonds in 12.79.

Simone Facey won the women’s 200m final, collapsing to the track in disbelief and tears after crossing the line and holding off Veronica Campbell-Brown.

Facey prevailed in 22.65, while Campbell-Brown – who officially clinched her fifth Olympic spot – was second in 22.80.

AP jds

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