Yohan Blake’s First Passion Was Not Sprinting? A Look at The Awe Inspiring Journey of the Second Fastest Man

No one has ever gotten closer to the “lightning bolt” other than his training partner and Jamaican fellow, “The Beast.” Back in 2012, both partners left more than 80,000 spectators on the edge of their seats as they went head-to-head from the bend at the 200m finals. While Bolt claimed gold with 19.32s, Yohan Blake followed him by clocking 19.75 to accomplish silver.

Along the same lines, Bolt and Blake both have been reigning supreme at the 200m world records across the board cumulatively. Although many people came across the record, absolutely no one was ever able to surpass either Yohan Blake or Usain Bolt. But, did you know Blake was naturally fond of some sport other than sprinting? He’s sure had an illustrious past.

 Yohan Blake – a man of sheer commitment, will and intrepid focus

Hailing from Spanish Town, Jamaican legend Blake was a gifted cricketer from his early days at the St. Jago High School. In a turn of events, Yohan, an au naturel cricket phenom, took up sprinting at the suggestion of his teachers at high school, who recognized his capabilities by the turn of pace.

Consequently, Yohan came up with flying colors at the age of a mere 16 years as he clocked 10.11 in 100lm time to become the fastest junior in Jamaican sprinting history. Directly after this, Blake promptly joined forces with Usain Bolt’s trainer, Glen Mills. With his sweat and toil, Yohan, before etching his name in the heart of track and field spectators, found a place in the eyes of Usain Bolt. “He works like a beast,” said Usain, impressed by the appetite of young Blake.

Interestingly, Yohan proved himself as a top contender made for the international stage as he dipped under the 10-second mark back in 2010. Since then, Yohan has never looked back and has been achieving various stepping stones on the road to excellence. Some of his incredible wins include the 2011 IAAF World Championships’s gold in 9.92s and his second fastest time of 19.26s. In addition to this, Yohan has beat Usain not only once but two times on track at 100m and 200m at the Jamaican Olympic Trials in 2012. However, Yohan’s illustrious sprinting career has not ended yet. 

2024 Paris Olympics: Blake vs. Lyles – survival of the fittest

Now, Yohan is pouring all his efforts into coming up on the grand Olympic stage. Interestingly, Yohan will be having his “last dance”/ swansong before hanging up his boots. But, the aim Yohan has set for himself this season is not as easy as it may seem at first glance.

Read More: Despite Ranked 3rd, Noah Lyles Gets Fueled by American Actor To Beat Usain Bolt’s 15 Year Strong Record

To achieve gold in 100m and 200m at the Olympics, Yohan has to first clash with six-time world champion Noah Lyles. While the two-time Olympic champion is in his full form, Noah is no less behind, which is quite evident from his performances throughout the championships this year. Interestingly, Noah, the inexorable juggernaut, is not only vying for the same medal streak but also threatening Yohan’s world record as the former is aiming to be the fastest man in the world. It’ll be a fight to the finish.

 Also Read: Despite Ranked 3rd, Noah Lyles Gets Fueled by American Actor To Beat Usain Bolt’s 15 Year Strong Record