Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake said on Thursday (11th August) that he wants to "go there and just surprise everyone" in the 100 metres as he looks to topple his fellow countryman Usain Bolt and American Justin Gatlin at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. He also praised the influence of Bolt and stated "he motivated me all the time, even though I'm one of his rivals".

SOUNDBITE: (English), Yohan Blake (on the focus of the 100m race being just between Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin)

"You know, I'm happy, that the spotlight is not on me. You know, I just want to go there and just surprise everyone."

SOUNDBITE (English), Yohan Blake (on his nickname of "The Beast" being changed to "The Blessed one")

"No, I changed that name. I changed that name. My name is now 'The Blessed, The Blessed One.' The reason for the change is because my pastor didn't like it, so he tell me to change it. Because God didn't please, so now, I'm different. I'm born again."

SOUNDBITE: (English), Yohan Blake (on his lack of podium finishes since winning the 2011 World Championships)

"No, I'm knowing that fact that what I did at the Jamaican trials, I've been feeling really good after that. You know, I've been having God at my side, so everything has been working perfectly."

SOUNDBITE: (English), Yohan Blake (on what can be expected from his performance in timing)

"Well, the timing, with this breeze, I don't know all the stadium's day. So, I'm not sure. I just want to surprise people with times and they say 'wow, is he capable of that?' Yeah that's me. I'm the wow factor."

SOUNDBITE: (English), Yohan Blake (on which race he prefers, the 100m or 200m)

"You know, I think I have more speed endurance, you know I think, I don't really know for sure, I think the 100 (metres). Because it's quick and it finishes fast. you know, the 200 (metres), there's more lactic acid and you know, more burning in the legs."

SOUNDBITE: (English), Yohan Blake (on training with Usain Bolt):

He's (Usain Bolt) a wonderful character. You know, he motivated me all the time, even though I'm one of his rivals. You know, we talk all the time, he tells me, 'Yohan, you got to keep your form together". You know he always motivated me, which I really love about him. You know, he doesn't look at it and say 'Oh, I can't tell Yohan that he's not looking good'. He always motivated me."