“I'm always ready,” said Bolt yesterday. “It's all about championships. I've had slight problems, but I'm ready to go.”

Bolt lost to Blake twice at the recent Jamaican trials in both the 100 and his favoured 200 meters. The setbacks fuelled speculation that he was injured but haven’t dampened expectation that he will retain his 100 and 200 gold medals.

“My fitness at the trials was all right, I guess, but I wasn’t at the best,” Bolt said. “I can’t complain. It was all right. It’s always a wake up call to get beaten. For me it’s all about getting it right on the day. I’m all right now.”

Bolt will carry the Jamaican flag at Friday's opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics.

The world's fastest man is relishing the honour of taking on the role of flag-bearer, one that will sit comfortably with a born showman. "For my country I'll do anything," the 25-year-old Jamaican said.

Determined for victory Bolt told media, “My ultimate aim is to be a legend, everyone knows it,” he said. “I've learned not to worry about the start. Back in the day was never a good start. I am just focused on the race. I will definitely carry on if I achieve my goals here. I will just set myself new ones. It will definitely be less stressful for me, more relaxed.”