By Mike Rowbottom

Yonah Blake_in_DaeguMarch 4 - World 100 metres champion Yohan Blake (pictured) will head the line-up in the Samsund Diamond League meeting in New York - the adidas Grand Prix - on June 9.


The 22-year-old Jamaican, who has already been in encouraging relay action this season, will aim to make the running in the 100m at the Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island where, four years ago, his rival and training partner Usain Bolt (pictured below left with Blake) earned his first world 100m record in a meeting delayed by a violent thunderstorm.

"The Gibson Relays last weekend were a great start for my 2012 season," said Blake, of the event at National Stadium in Kingston on February 25 in which he came from behind to anchor his 4x400m and 4x100m teams to victory.

"I am already looking forward to that fast track in New York City on June 9."

Usain Bolt_and_Johan_Blake_1_march_
Blake made his adidas Grand Prix debut in 2007 when he anchored his St. Jago team to victory in the boys' 4x400m high school relay, and he also competed in over 100m in 2009 and 2010.

Last summer in Daegu, Blake became the youngest 100m gold medallist at the World Championships since it began in 1983.

"I would like to be a legend," he said after a race from which defending champion Bolt was disqualified for a false start.

Blake then ran the third leg of the 400m relay, handing over to anchor leg runner Bolt in a race which saw the Jamaican quarter lower their world record to 37.04sec.

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