Fast time 'a big step', says Jamaican sprinter Blake

Former World champion Yohan Blake has described his timing of 9.95 seconds in the 100 metres at MVP track and field as "a big step" and says he is now back to full fitness.

The 26-year-old produced a sizzling run at the National Stadium to beat fellow Jamaican Rasheed Dwyer and British sprinter Zharnel Hughes into second and third places, respectively, with both clocked at 10.10 seconds here on Sunday, reports CMC.

Blake ran his first sub-10 time in two years at the MVP track and field meet.

Blake, 26, who has been plagued by injuries over the last two seasons, looked to be getting back to his best, both physically and mentally. His victory was met with loud applause from the relatively small gathering.

Blake got out a bit slowly from the blocks and was trailing Rasheed Dwyer at the halfway mark, but got into top gear, accelerated beautifully, and won easily.

"First and foremost, I must give God thanks. He has been present in my life and has changed my life over the past weeks, and I have gotten rid of that name the 'Beast'," Blake said on Monday in reference to the nickname he has carried in recent years.

Blake is aiming to beat compatriot Usain Bolt in the upcoming Rio Olympics in August.