Jamaica’s former world 100m champion Yohan Blake says he is taking a low-key approach in the build-up to this season as he makes a bid to return to the pinnacle of the sport.

Blake, the 2011 World Championships gold medallist, surprised many last year when he stormed to victory to win the men’s 100m event the 2022 National Championships in 9.85 seconds. In that race he beat the favourite, Oblique Seville, who was second in 9.86.

However, Blake, who has struggled with hamstring injuries over the years, failed to make the semi-finals of the men’s 100m event at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon last year.

The 33-year-old, who is coached by Gregory Little and Michael Frater at Titans Track Club, opened his season on Saturday at the Camperdown Classic with a 6.64 clocking for second place in the men’s 60m. The race was won by his club teammate Ackeem Blake in 6.63.

Blake told the Jamaica Observer he is well-placed as he prepares for the World Athletics Championships, to be held in Budapest, Hungary from August 19 to 27.

“I am always optimistic. I don’t like to tell people what I can do, and so I just stay optimistic and whatever happens, happens. I just like to be behind the scenes like the national trial last year and just come and surprise,” said Blake.

“This sets me up good because last year I didn’t start so well, but this year I started good and so this is very good,” Blake said.

Blake is the second-fastest man ever in the 100m with a time 9.69 — behind his compatriot and former club teammate Usain Bolt (9.58). Blake won two silver medals in the 100m and 200m at the London 2012 Olympic Games, both times finishing behind the legendary Bolt.

He noted that he broke new ground by opening his season with the 60m race, but reiterated he was pleased with the outing.

“It is different and it feels a bit weird, but I feel good nevertheless. I just went out there to have some fun and to get my season off.

“Normally, I started with the 400 metres, but those days are done for me. I am feeling healthy, there are no niggles, it is just getting the season started and this is my first 60 metres as a professional athlete and so I feel good,” he said.

“It could have been better but it is my first race and I haven’t done any speed work yet, so it is good,” Blake said.