I'm ready, says Blake

Nassau, Bahamas:

Former World 100 metres champion Yohan Blake is confident that Jamaica can win the men's 4x100m at this year's International Association of Athletics Federations World Relays despite the absence of star sprinters Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell.

"You know that when Bolt put down the mantle I have to take it up, and he has been instilling that in me, and so I am ready for this," Blake said.

The two-day championship is set to be run off this evening at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium.

Blake, who has been plagued by injuries over the past two seasons, said that he is fit and ready to help Jamaica take back the gold medal from the Americans, which they won in 2014.

Blake added: "I am going to talk to the team and ensure that we get the baton around, and as long we get it around, then I know we will put it off.

Inexperienced quartet

Blake will lead a largely inexperienced Jamaican quartet comprising Kemar Bailey-Cole, Jevaughn Minzie, Everton Clarke, and Nickel Ashmeade into battle.

They will face a stiff challenge from the Americans, whose team includes the vastly experienced Justin Gatlin and Mike Rodgers, along with Ronnie Baker and Leshon Collins.

However, Blake said he was prepared well for the championships and once he gets the baton within striking distance of the Americans, it will be game over.

"I am fit, and I am ready because my coach makes sure that I am in tip-top shape for this championships, and so I just want to get the baton in a good position, then it will be all over," said Blake, who has a personal best of 9.69 in the 100m.

"We are not worried about anybody because on the day, we will be ready because as long as I get the baton in touching distance, then we are good to go," he stated.