Usain Bolt set for first 200m in 13 months at Bislett Games

Usain Bolt says he is fully focused on the world championships as he prepares to run his first 200-metre race in 13 months at a Diamond League event in Oslo today.

The Jamaican, world record holder at both 100m and 200m, said yesterday it will feel strange to run the longer sprint but, having recovered from last season's injuries, is confident of achieving a fast time at the Bislett Games.

"It's going to be weird but it should be good," said Bolt. "I'm definitely going out there to run hard and see what I need to improve more."

Bolt won the 100 at his first race of the year in a Diamond League event in Rome two weeks ago and is now aiming to take his recovery up another notch after missing part of last season with Achilles tendon and back problems.

"I'm just trying to get my form back together and get back to the old Usain Bolt," he said. "I'm just focused on one thing, and that's the world championships."

Bolt was more diplomat than showman as he fielded questions at a reception at Oslo City Hall a day before the main event.

"I've heard it's a great track and I'm looking forward to going out there and getting a fast time," he said. "But I need to get in shape as quickly as possible because everyone's really putting their foot down."

South African middle-distance runner Caster Semenya is also competing as she seeks to move on from having to undergo a gender test following her victory in the 800m at the 2009 world championships.

Forced to sit out for a year, Semenya said it was tough to bounce back but is now starting to rediscover her best form.

The 20-year-old said that the episode had placed her under huge mental strain.

"It wasn't easy to come back after the IAAF ban, but this was the goal," Semenya said .

She finished second in a time of 1 minute, 58.88 seconds at a Diamond League event in Eugene, Oregon, last weekend. But, as the season progresses, she hopes to begin closing in on her personal best of 1:55.45.

"In Oslo, I want to remain below 1:58, maybe 1:57 but everything happens in view of the world championships in South Korea," she said. "At the Bislett Games, the time is very important, probably more important than first place."

Semenya faces a strong field that also includes Mariya Savinova of Russia, one of the athletes who called the South African's gender into question. Former world champion Janeth Jepkosgei of Kenya, with a personal best of 1:56.04, is another leading contender.

The world championships take place from 27 August to 4 September in Daegu.