Yohan Blake: Is it Time to Call It Quits?

This is an opinion piece on Yohan Blake, who has had an incredible career, and who is battling a total new generation of sprinters as he looks to compete at the WC Budapest 2023. 

Yohan Blake: Is it Time to Call It Quits?

“The second fastest man in history”. It’s a phrase that has become popular in the track world since the great Usain Bolt transcended the sport to heights unimaginable. The Jamaican was so good they had to invent new phrases for the rest of the pack. And for a sprinter like Yohan Blake, he played second fiddle to his countryman for most of his career. A once big fish that used to play in the major league is now in a watershed moment in his career.

Throughout his illustrious career, Blake has been one of the most captivating figures in the world of athletics. The Jamaican has achieved remarkable success, earning numerous accolades and captivating fans worldwide with his explosive speed. However, as age catches up with him, questions arise: Is it time for Yohan Blake to consider retirement?

For a man who once made running 9.8s and 9.7s a breeze, he has recently struggled to replicate such performance. Left without a sponsor and a distinct chance of not making Jamaica’s team to the world championships this summer, maybe it’s high time to answer nature’s call.

The Rise of a Sprinting Phenomenon:

Yohan Blake burst onto the international scene in 2007, winning gold in the 100m and 200m races at the CARIFTA Games. From there, his career took off as he established himself as one of the fastest sprinters in the world. Blake’s most notable accomplishment came at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, where he clinched gold in the 100m, a race in which Bolt false-started. The name “Beast” stuck afterward.

Unforgettable Battles with Usain Bolt:

Blake’s journey as an athlete is closely intertwined with his rivalry with Bolt. The two Jamaican sprinters pushed each other to new heights, creating moments of athletic brilliance and unforgettable showdowns on the track. While Bolt often emerged as the victor, Blake’s performances were never to be underestimated. Their rivalry added intrigue and excitement to the sport, captivating fans around the world.

After Blake became the world champion in 2011, many felt he was the heir-apparent to Bolt. His performances in 2012 speak volumes of how good he was after he defeated Bolt at the Jamaican trials. Despite the win, he could only settle for…