YOHAN BLAKE BECAME the second fastest man over 100m this evening, clocking 9.69sec at the Lausanne Diamond League meeting.
The world champion, who was silver medallist behind Usain Bolt at the London Olympics, finished ahead of America’s Tyson Gay in 9.83sec with Nesta Carter of Jamaica in 9.95sec.
Bolt, the world record holder, wasn’t running in the race, opting to line up in the 200 later in the evening.
Blake, 22, improved his previous personal best of 9.75sec to move into second place on the all-time list which he now shares with Gay who has also run 9.69sec.
Only Bolt — with 9.58sec and 9.63sec — has run faster.
“I am delighted,” said Blake. “I have been sick all week with flu but I am glad I recovered.”
America’s Carmelita Jeter edged the women’s 100m, thrillingly turning the tables on Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica.
Fraser-Pryce had defeated Jeter in the final at the Games earlier this month, but she took victory on Thursday, dipping just at the right time at the line with both runners clocking 10.86sec.
“I always want to win and when you do it feels pretty good,” said Jeter. ”It was just like the Olympic final, I had to fight to the finish because Shelly-Ann has had such a great season. She’s a great starter and fantastic competitor.
“She always brings her A-game so you have to bring yours.”
Jeter also reflected on the United States women’s 4×100 metres relay win at the Olympics which shattered one of the longest-standing and most controversial world records.
The American quartet, anchored with a stunning final leg by Jeter, sliced more than half a second off the 27-year-old record set by the former East Germany in 1985.
“It was an epic moment. Everyone said it could not be done,” said Jeter.
Usain Bolt, as expected, took victory in the 200m ahead of Dutch runner Churandy Martina and compatriot Nickel Ashmeade.
