“Catch me if you can”—those five words perfectly describe Yohan Blake’s sweet time in athletics from 2008 to 2012. In that period, he posed himself suitably alongside Usain Bolt, being the second-best in the world. However, standing in 2024, he could only masticate those moments, failing to achieve the top podiums.

The sad story continued in the London Diamond League last week as well. The 34-year-old could end his run at the last rank in an event where he holds the second-best finish in history. After tasting such a pill, Blake’s expression could not be expected to stay on the positive line, and it surely did not. His fans, however, have tried to show him that they’re still with him. 

Before coming to this season, Yohan already announced that the Paris Olympics would be his last. Sadly, he failed to make a mark in the 100-meter Jamaican trials, losing his last chance to appear in Paris. That gave him an insurmountable feeling. But the most appalling remained of his country’s mood toward him in the last few years, especially after his fall in the performance.

That experience made him say, “As I said, my own country Jamaica doesn’t give me the respect”. But Yohan still tries to remain happy “because other people outside do and they appreciate”. However, the Jamaican fans lined up to show their love for him. On YouTube, The Inside Lane’s video displaying Yohan’s comments received several words of this kind. One such remains from a fan, revealing, “I am Jamaican and i have always cheered for you… always”. Surely, that might make Yohan think about his statement, expressing the lack of love from Jamaica. But in his conversation with The Inside Lane, he went deeper to search for the reason, and somehow he justified his claims. 

In the conversation, Blake added, “Jamaica love winners and once as you not win, they’re not supporting you”. Notably, after the 2019 Diamond League in Birmingham, he has failed to grab any major wins. In fact, his last National Championship victory came in 2022. For an athlete who has 3 Olympic and 2 World Championship medals, those stats don’t fit well. But he has his reasons to support his constant fall in performances on the tracks. 

In the post-2012 London Olympics, Yohan Blake faced two boons that are often called the end chapters of any athlete’s career: one, chronic injury, and another, the changing of mentors. Those factors kept him meek for a long period, and the 34-year-old tried in his own way to diminish the effects. 

In an interview with Athletics Weekly this year, he mentioned, “I have made my changes. I’ve changed my diet to a carnivore. I’ve made scientific changes to my body. I’ve been recovering even better and I’ve been sleeping a lot better”. Still, in 2024, he has just three podium finishes out of ten contests. The overall experience ultimately led him to add, “This has been rough”. But he gathered himself up to say that he would continue to work on himself. Meanwhile, his Jamaican fans have made further comments to let him know that they’re with him on this journey. 

Fans let Yohan Blake know that they have not forgotten him 

Yohan Blake’s words, claiming that Jamaica does not love him, sent a SOS signal among his fans from his country. In the comment box of the stated interview video, they gathered heavily to prove him wrong. One such fan asserted, “That’s an unfair general statement. Jamaicans do appreciate and respect Yohan Blake, like myself”. The same mood echoed in another comment. 

Keeping aside from the other ones, one Jamaican fan conceded, “Some Jamaicans Yohan, some! I will always be appreciative of you and all others who represent 🇯🇲 I hope you finish your career the way you want! Blessings always”. Meanwhile, several fans accepted that there might be a different tune in Yohan Blake’s support. But the athlete should generalize all. That mindset made one such follower pen, “Come on Yohan, that’s not nice to say and generalize in such manner. I can honestly say for myself and the majority of Jamaicans genuinely love and respect you massively. Stay safe and blessed always”. Meanwhile, the Jamaicans remember all his glories since his initial days, developing years, and in 2012, when he challenged the legend Usain Bolt. 

The words, “Yohan Blake I am a Jamaican and I 100%  support and respect you. You’re the 2nd fastest man in the world and I am proud of you for helping put Jamaica on the map when it comes to track and field. Jamaican are proud of you”, speaks volumes about the support that Yohan Blake is missing. So, his revealing words have made him taste the support he is still having from his country. Let’s hope the stream of that will be no less for him in the upcoming days.