Jamaican sprint legend Yohan Blake has his sights set on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, marking his fourth and final appearance on the world’s biggest athletic stage. At 34, the man known as ‘The Beast’ is driven by a powerful force—his family.
In an exclusive interview, Blake shared, “Many times I look at it as close to 20 something years in training. What keeps me going is my family. I don’t just run for me.” The support and inspiration from his loved ones fuel his enduring passion for sprinting.
Blake burst onto the Olympic scene at the 2012 London Games, where he emerged as a formidable challenger to compatriot Usain Bolt. Securing silver medals in both the 100-meter and 200-meter events behind Bolt, Blake cemented his status as one of the world’s fastest men.
Reflecting on his rivalry with Bolt, Blake admitted, “It’s fun at the same time, but it’s tough because we push each other. You don’t want to lose. I do miss it. It was fun.” Known for his relentless work ethic, he acknowledged training harder than the sprinting icon, saying, “Very easy, I could say that. Yes. Very easy.”
As he prepares for Paris 2024, Blake confirmed this will be his last Olympics. “Olympics come every four years. You want to start your family and live a life apart from track. I don’t want to be there running that long. So this is my last one,” he explained.
Blake also expressed admiration for Chinese sprinter Su Bingtian, whom he’s known since the 2012 London Olympics. “Me and Su have been running from when we were little. I look up to Su as a really great athlete. I just want to say, keep working hard, Su. I believe in you. I know you have done so many things,” Blake said.
When asked about his aspirations for Paris, Blake was candid: “There’s no goal but a dream, which is to finish on top.” With determination and the unwavering support of his family, Yohan Blake is ready to make his final Olympic dream a reality.
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Family keeps 'The Beast' going, says Olympic champion sprinter Blake
cgtn.com
