Bolt and Blake back in action

Sprint sensations Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake began their seasons by competing in 400metre races in their native Jamaica.

The reigning two-time Olympic 100m and 200m champion came home in 46.74 seconds to win his heat ahead of Allodin Fothergill for the Racers Track Club at the Camperdown Classic outdoor meeting.

Blake, runner-up to Bolt at both sprint events in London last year, recorded a faster time of 46.64 although he finished behind training partner Warren Weir at the National Stadium in Kingston, where there was no final for the event.

Both times are some way off Michael Johnson’s world record of 43.18secs.

“I felt a bit nervous,” Bolt said in quotes published by BBC Sport.

“I just came out here to win and I’m glad I won injury free.”

Blake added: “I’m happy with the run, despite the time. I’m just looking forward to the rest of the season.”