Jamaican sprint legend Yohan Blake has been honoured with one of the most prestigious awards in his country for his service to sports and philanthropic work.
Jamaican sprint legend Yohan Blake has been honoured by the Government of Jamaica for his exceptional achievements in track and field and his dedicated philanthropic work.
Blake was conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) during the National Investiture Ceremony at King’s House on National Heroes Day, Monday, October 20.
The announcement was met with gratitude by Blake, who is the second-fastest male sprinter in history. "Thank you to the Government of Jamaica for this prestigious award, it really means a lot," he stated.
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A Storied Career on the Track
Since turning professional in 2009, Blake has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including two Olympic gold medals, two Olympic silver medals, and two World Championship golds.
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He is one of only three sprinters to have broken the 10-second barrier in the 100 metres before the age of 20, a feat he accomplished at just 19 years and 196 days old.
His numerous achievements have firmly established his place among the most revered figures in global athletics. However, the man famously nicknamed "The Beast" by training partner Usain Bolt originally had his heart set on a different sport.
"Mr. Ankle saw me running up to bowl and said, ‘I need to send that guy to St Jago [High School] to [track and field coach] Danny Hawthorne’," Blake recalled of his time at Green Park Primary. "So he transferred me to St Jago, and Danny Hawthorne changed my life and got me into track and field."
After experimenting with the 400-metre sprint and hurdles, Blake specialised in the 100m and 200m, where his success at the junior level caught the eye of Glen Mills, Head Coach of the Racers Track Club.
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From Humble Beginnings to Philanthropic Efforts
Beyond his athletic prowess, Blake is the founder of the YB Afraid Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting the next generation. Through his foundation, he has officially adopted three children's homes: Mount Olivet Boys’ Home in Manchester, Pringle Home in St Mary, and the Jamaica Baptist Union Garland Hall Memorial Children’s Home in St James.
Blake's commitment to charity is deeply rooted in his own upbringing, which he describes as challenging. "Sometimes we didn’t even go to school, because we needed that money to cook some food," he shared, explaining that these early struggles shaped the person he is today.
"If I should live that life again, I would, because it shaped me into the person that I am," he affirmed. "There’s a grey cloud over [a lot of] people’s heads, and I’m a person who shines light."
The sprinter offers a powerful message of encouragement to young people facing similar hardships, urging them to dream without limits.
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"I put my cup where I cannot reach it because, in life, we do grow and one day you are actually going to reach it. Your life is in your hands... If we keep on planting and planting, the crop will come."
Yohan Blake Embodies Hard Work and Self-Belief
Yohan Blake, a testament to the power of hard work and self-belief, is encouraging others to chase their dreams without fear. The celebrated athlete shared his philosophy on the immense potential of the human mind.
"If you believe you can fly, then fly… that is how powerful the mind is," Blake stated. "That is why you can create anything that you put your mind to, or your heart to. So do not be afraid to take up that challenge; do not be afraid to make that step."
As he contemplates life after his illustrious athletics career, Blake is optimistic about his future endeavors, which extend far beyond the world of track and field.
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"I am just excited about what is next," he told JIS News, outlining his plans. "Starting a family, doing more charity work around the world, not just in Jamaica. So that is what’s in the pipeline… perhaps do a little bit of commentary on cricket, because I have always wanted to do that."