Jamaican star Blake plans to light up Hampden

Saturday 10th May 2014

Yohan Blake, the world’s second fastest man of all time over 100m, has confirmed that he will run against Britain’s Adam Gemili, World Indoor 60m champion Richard Kilty and veteran Kim Collins at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix on July 11-12.

Only countryman Usain Bolt has run quicker than Blake, who ran 9.69 in Lausanne in 2012, and the 24-year-old is ready to return from an injury-disrupted 2013 by running at the first IAAF Diamond League in the UK this year at Hampden Park.

Blake, who will make is first ever visit to Scotland, said: ‘I’m really excited to be coming back to the UK this summer.

‘After such a strong 2012, it was disappointing not to be able to continue that form into 2013 due to injury.

‘However, I’m looking to use the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix to show the world I’m back and ready to light up the track once again.’

The Jamaican, who won a gold and two silver medals at the London 2012 Olympic Games is well aware of the challenge facing him, but is determined to prove that he is in shape to go even quicker at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix.

‘The UK gave the Jamaicans a big welcome for the Olympic Games and I know the British public will put on another great show in July,’ added Blake.

‘The competition in the Diamond League rivals the competition you get at major championships and it’s that challenge that motivates me.

‘I know it won’t be easy, but I’m determined to show that ‘The Beast’ is back bigger and better at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix.’

Kilty saw off some of the world’s best athletes to win what was considered by many quarters as a surprise gold medal in Sopot and is ready to build on his credentials and is aiming to take more scalps this summer.

‘It has been an unforgettable start to the season for me,’ said Richard.

‘Running personal bests and winning the World Indoor Championships has put me up there in the world of sprinting and I’m determined to stay there.

‘Now it’s all about translating my 60m form into the 100m and the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix will give me the platform to test myself against the very best out there. Yohan (Blake), Kim (Collins) and Adam (Gemili) are all great athletes in their own right and I know it’s going to take a fast time to win the race.’

Blake, Gemili, Kilty and Collins will join the likes of double Olympic and world champion Mo Farah (Alberto Salazar), Olympic long jump gold medallist Greg Rutherford (Jonas Tawiah-Dodoo), world 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu (Lloyd Cowan), world 4 x 400m bronze medallist Eilidh Child (Malcolm Arnold), Paralympic T12 100m silver medallist Libby Clegg, with more of the box office names to be announced shortly.

Tickets for the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix on July 11-12 at Hampden Park are on sale at

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