We have the temerity and the erratic tendency to show our ingratitude and spew vitriol at Yohan Blake simply because he is not consistently and dominantly performing at the level of former years before he got injured. However, it is grossly insensitive and unfair to do so. We need to remember that Yohan Blake is the youngest ever male World Champion at twenty-one years old. Indeed, after Usain Bolt false started in the 100m final at the 2011 Daegu World Championship, Blake went on to win the 100m title in 9.92. One year later at the 2012 London Olympics, Blake won two individual silver medals in the 100m and 200m in times of 9.75 and 19.44, respectively. It would take an Olympic Record of 9.63 by Bolt to deny Yohan Blake victory in the 100m. Also, Bolt had to produce his third best time of 19.32, to deny Blake victory in the 200m.
Blake is the second best ever
Based on times at the Olympic Games, Blake's 9.75 and 19.44 combo is the second best ever, only to Bolt's 9.69 and 19.30 that was done at the 2008 Beijing Olympic and would have landed him the sprint double titles at almost every single global championship. How often do we forget that Yohan Blake is in elite company, being the second fastest man in history over the 100m and 200m, at 9.69 and 19.26, respectively? Clearly, only Usain Bolt is ahead of him with respect to times.
Blake is still world-class despite injuries
Many of us seem to suffer from amnesia or are plain disingenuous to not to factor in Blake's almost career-ending injury that set him back for several seasons. And notwithstanding this, Blake has not cowardly thrown in the towel like many have but has demonstrated exceptional courage and tenacity to still be numbered among the best in world sprinting. One must conclude that Blake is fueled by a "beastly" passion to succeed. Blake has unmatched confidence and commitment in his relentless efforts to recapture his form, something we should all recognize, respect, and celebrate with him. Indeed, we can all learn much from Blake's courageous and unyielding spirit.
Blake’s philanthropy work
Off the track, Yohan is one of the kindest and most caring Jamaican athletes you will ever find. He is heavily invested into philanthropy, helping scores of individuals and charities. I implore us all to stop the negative comments about Yohan Blake. The thirty-two-year-old veteran and superstar has made his signature mark and has made all of us proud at different points in his career. Besides, he runs for a living. That is his job that allows him to take care of himself and family and to extend himself to the wider community.
Therefore, why are we so anxious and willing to retire the man from his job, when he is still competitive and can command a lane in the Diamond League where he earns good money? Why are we so hellbent on ending the career of an outstanding athlete who is still able to compete with much younger athletes and win the National Trials just the same? What really are our objectives? How does Blake retirement advance our individual and collective cause? We need to stop!
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Henley Taylor
Freelance Sportswriter
Edited by Raymond Byfield
Yohan Blake photo courtesy of Joe Swift Photography
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