2011 World Champion in the 100m Yohan Blake is looking forward to the inaugural IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014.
Jamaica’s Yohan Blake couldn’t defend his World sprint title last year in Moscow, having to miss the whole outdoor season through injury. And “The Beast” can’t wait to get back to some serious racing. “I’m really excited, but I’m trying to stay calm and just wait for the season to start. I’m feeling good, just working my way back and taking my time,” Blake revealed.
The hard work doesn’t stop for a second indeed. Together with his fellow Racers Track Club members Usain Bolt and Warren Weir, Blake gives 100% at every training session. He is considered to be the most intense and focussed athlete in the team, and that’s where his nickname comes from. Yohan admits, that he’s quite comfortable with it, and that his fans, especially in Europe, like his beastly image a lot.
The three sprinting greats, Blake, Weir and Bolt, get along very well. “The best thing about it is that we have chemistry, we run, joke and we have fun”, Blake said. Although, outside of training sessions, you won’t see Blake, Bolt and Weir discussing track and field. “I like to take my mind off of what I do. Thinking about it too much would bring too much tension”, Blake explained. However, he has another favorite sport - cricket. He is passionately following the West Indies’ performance on the world stage and plays himself, almost every Sunday.
Another important part of Blake’s life is his foundation YB Afraid. The foundation took over the Mount Olivet Boys’ Home, providing it with everything the kids, coming from difficult life situations, might need to study, play sports and get ready for a bright future. The facility includes an IT classroom, soccer field with an artificial turf and a basketball court with a rubber surface. 26 boys, living at the home at the moment, take part in a new learning initiative Expressions Through Creativity. Within this project they take lessons in videography, photography and even cooking. The foundation plans to have another facility in Montego Bay soon, and eventually - to go international.
“Not everyone is fortunate in life, so if we can give the kids an opportunity to experience, what is going on in the world today, it’s good. I’ve been to many places in Jamaica that’s really saddening and made me cry, when I see that many people suffering, and they have a lot of talent. I try to create a better world for them,” says Blake, who is coming from an impoverished parish and has been through hard times himself.
The inaugural IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014 for Yohan Blake might become the first major return to the track after the injury, and he is looking forward to the event. “Back when I was in high school, I used to discuss with my teammate Nickel Ashmeade and Riker Hylton, how great it would be to have a global competition for just the relays”, said Blake. “I’m a relay person, and I actually can’t wait for the Bahamas 2014,” he admitted.
Jean-Pierre DURAND. Article Credit: Elena Dyachkova
