Blake looks to relays

LONDON, England:

A fourth-place finish in the 100m final and failure to advance to the 200m final. It was supposed to be a much better 2017 World Championship for Yohan Blake.

That's his conviction and last night's third-place finish in his 200m semi-final inside the London Stadium in a time of 20.52 seconds, which has left the 2011 world 100m champion and second fastest man in the world over both the 100m and 200m, bitterly disappointed.

"I definitely did not expect that, to be honest. I should have won that race, easily, but my legs would not allow it," Blake said. "I felt my legs pulsing and I couldn't push to come home after coming off the curve in a great position but, nevertheless, I give God thanks."

Blake, who suffered bad hamstring injuries following his double silver medal performance at the 2012 Olympics, which left him on the sidelines for much of the 2013 - 2015 seasons, said he felt some discomfort in his leg as he came off the curve and was not able to push for a better finish.

"I felt some grab in the leg. I'm not sure what it is," Blake said, adding that he was unsure if his recent injury problems played on his mind at that point and affected his race.

Blake, who arrived in London full of confidence after a season that saw him produce three times under 10 seconds, including his 9.90 seconds run at the National Championships, said he still believes in his abilities and is determined to get back to the forefront of international sprinting.

"It has been a very disappointing championship for me but I give God thanks, nevertheless. I can't complain, I give thanks. I still believe in myself. I know I am in great shape to do what I know I can do. I am still young and I know I have to just keep on pushing and fighting hard," Blake noted. "If I run more races, I know I will be much better."

Blake says he will now put all his effort into Saturday's 4x100m relay.

"It's very important that we get that gold medal. I know Usain (Bolt) wants a gold to go home with and so do I," said Blake.