ATHENS - Jamaica's Usain Bolt laid down another marker for the Beijing Olympics when he ran the fastest 200 metres of the year so far at the Athens Grand Prix on Sunday.

Jamaica's Usain Bolt crosses the finish line of the men's 200 meters race during the IAAF Athens Grand Prix 2008 at Athens Olympic stadium July 13, 2008. [Agencies]

The 21-year-old, who broke the 100 metres world record at the end of May, clocked 19.67 seconds, cruising home to a comfortable victory.

It was a personal best for Bolt and the fifth fastest time ever over the distance.

However, he again played down suggestions that he would soon break Michael Johnson's 12-year-old record of 19.32.

"It is a very hard record to get but someone will take it one day and hopefully I will be that person - maybe next year," he said.

Cuba's Daryon Robles also sent out a warning for the Olympics, clocking 13.05 in the 110-metres hurdles. It was well off his world record 12.87, set last month, but still the third-fastest time of the year so far.

"I felt really good. I am working day after day to fulfil my personal objective for the Olympics," he said.

"I don't want to think too far ahead yet. I honestly believe it is a question of getting to the (Olympic) final because it is, of course, a desire and dream of every athlete to get an Olympic medal."