The Jamaican sprinter, who has just returned to the track after a succession of hamstring injuries, said it was in his "best interest" to skip the Games as he fixes his focus on the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Blake, the second fastest man in the world who won 100 and 200 metres silver at London 2012 and 4x100 metres relay gold, came sixth in his first Diamond League 200m in two years last week in Lausanne, clocking 20.48sec.

"Of course I'm disappointed to be missing out on Glasgow 2014 but it's in my best interests," he said.

"I'm trying to be positive and there will be many more Commonwealth Games to look forward to."

Blake's absence will be a blow to Glasgow 2014 organisers, who are hoping the big names will come to the Scottish city to compete.

His team mate Usain Bolt has been named in the Jamaican squad for the Games, but he may only make an outing in the relay.

Double 100m and 200m Olympic champion Usain Bolt will compete at Glasgow 2014
©Getty Images



Blake's absence from Glasgow was revealed by his manager Cubie Seegobin last month.

But the 24-year-old athlete will take to the track in Glasgow today, racing in the 100m at the Diamond League in Hampden Park.

On his Glasgow 2014 absence, he added: "I'm sorry I'm not going to be here, the Scottish people have really been looking out for me.

"But they understand the level of competitive person I am.

"It was a tough decision to make, but when I was talking to my manager and my coach they both said I had to get back to the level I was at before.

"There are the World Championships and Olympics coming up in the next couple of years and I have to be at my best for that."