Yohan Blake Jamaican sprinter Date of Birth: 26.12.1989 Country: Jamaica

1. Yohan Blake: Profile
2. Early Life and Career
3. Rising Star
4. Doping Controversy
5. World Championship Success
6. Olympic Silver

Yohan Blake: Profile

Yohan Blake, a Jamaican sprinter, specializes in 100-meter and 200-meter races. He is the current world champion in the 100-meter dash, and won a silver medal in the event at the 2012 London Olympics.

Early Life and Career

Blake was born in St. James, Jamaica, to Veda and Shirley Blake. His initial interest in sports was cricket, where he excelled as a fast bowler. However, a school principal noticed Blake's speed and encouraged him to pursue sprinting.

In 2007, Blake set a Jamaican junior record by running the 100-meter dash in 10.11 seconds at the CARIFTA Games. He also led his team to victory in the 4x100-meter relay, earning the Austin Sealy Trophy for being the championship's most outstanding athlete.

Rising Star

Blake's breakthrough came in 2009 when he won the 100-meter race at the Reebok Grand Prix. He continued to display impressive form, finishing third behind Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell at another meet. In the process, he broke the 10-second barrier and became the youngest athlete to achieve it.

After improving his personal best to 9.96 seconds, Blake lowered it further to 9.93 seconds, placing him third again, behind Bolt and Daniel Bailey.

Doping Controversy

Prior to the 2009 World Championships, Blake tested positive for 4-Methyl-2-hexanamine, which was later banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Although the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission cleared Blake of doping charges, the substance's similarity to the prohibited tuaminoheptane resulted in a three-month suspension. Blake and three other athletes were disqualified from the relay event.

World Championship Success

Undeterred, Blake qualified for the finals at the 2011 World Championships. After his compatriot Usain Bolt was disqualified, Blake seized the gold medal with a time of 9.92 seconds. At 21 years and 245 days, Blake became the youngest-ever world champion in the 100-meter dash, breaking Carl Lewis's record. He also helped Jamaica set a new world record in the 4x100-meter relay.

Olympic Silver

Blake began 2012 by breaking the 10-second barrier again in April. He made his Olympic debut in 2012 and emerged as a serious contender alongside Bolt. While Bolt ultimately won the 100-meter race, Blake earned a silver medal by equaling his personal best of 9.75 seconds.