OSLO, Norway:

Usain Bolt is focusing on the world championships even as he prepares to run his first 200-metre race in 13 months at a Diamond League meet today.

The world record-holder from Jamaican said Wednesday it will feel strange to run the 200 but, having recovered from last season's injuries he is confident of running a fast race at the Bislett Games.

"It's going to be weird, but it should be good," Bolt said. "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 continues her comeback from a long layoff for gender test following her victory in the 800 at the 2009 worlds.

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

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

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

Semenya finished second in 1 minute, 58.88 seconds at the 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.