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Yohan Blake has revealed why Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's unfortunate withdrawal from the Paris Olympic games due to injury affected him even more than his own failiure to qualify.
Jamaican sprinting icon Yohan Blake has opened up about the emotional impact of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s unexpected withdrawal from the 2024 Paris Olympics, revealing that it affected him more deeply than his own failure to qualify.
Blake, the second-fastest man ever in the 100 meters (9.69 seconds) and 200 meters (19.26 seconds), endured a challenging year riddled with injuries that ultimately dashed his Olympic dreams.
While Blake’s own disappointments mounted, it was Fraser-Pryce’s story that moved him. The decorated sprinter, who has three Olympic gold medals and a career spanning five Olympic Games, was forced to withdraw from the semifinals of the 100 meters and the 4x100m relay due to injury, ending her illustrious Olympic journey far from how she envisioned.
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20:00 - 04.11.2024
'I know he can go faster' - Yohan Blake on why namesake Ackeem Blake is the next big thing in Jamaican sprinting
The 2011 World 100m champion has revealed why he believes his namesake Ackeem Blake will be a force to be reckon with in future.
Reflecting on his own setback, Blake shared with SportsMax TV, “I just did not have any emotions. I have been in this thing so long that I now understand when it is your day or not,” he explained. “I could not feel it because I understood it was not my day. What can I really do?”
But Fraser-Pryce’s withdrawal was a different story for him. “This is even worse than mine,” Blake admitted. “Shelly went to the Olympics but she just could not make it. That touched me even more because you wanted something so bad, and now when you do not get it, you have to wait four years for another chance.”
Fraser-Pryce herself posted an encouraging message to fans on social media, saying, “The journey continues. Focused, determined, and back where I belong. Stay tuned for what’s next. With God, all things are possible.”
Meanwhile, Blake, who still struggles with persistent injuries, is nonetheless committed to his comeback journey.
His 2024 season proved challenging, including an eighth-place finish at the London Diamond League, a stark contrast for a sprinter accustomed to podium finishes.
Despite these hurdles, Blake draws inspiration from American sprinter Tyson Gay, who ran his career-best of 9.69 seconds and continued competing for another decade.
Alongside his athletic pursuits, Blake also ventured into new territory this year, opening a restaurant. This latest endeavor underscores his resilience and determination to keep moving forward, much like his track career.
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12:20 - 03.11.2024
Former Olympic 100m champion Donovan Bailey on why he snubbed Jamaica to represent Canada
Bailey, who won two gold medals at the 1996 Olympic games and was once the world record holder in the 100 meters, has explained why he snubbed birth country Jamaica to run for Canada.
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