‘Jamaica doesn't give me respect’ – Veteran sprinter slams his country for abandoning him

Yohan Blake is the second fastest man in history

‘Jamaica doesn't give me respect’ – Veteran sprinter slams his country for abandoning him

Joel Omotto 21:08 - 21.07.2024

The former world champion has hit out at Jamaican fans for disrespecting him despite bringing glory to the country in the past.

Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake has lashed out at his country for not respecting him and understanding his struggles as he battles with injuries and form.

Blake has struggled to make impact this season and also missed a chance to seal an Olympics ticket having declared his interest to do so early this year.

The 2011 world 100m champion’s poor form continued on Saturday when he finished last in 100m at the London Diamond League after clocking 10.23 for eighth place and that is when his frustrations boiled over.

“My head is all over the place right now, I wanted to do the Jamaican trials, I didn't get to do. I wanted to do my final Olympics; I didn't do. The journey continues,” said Blake.

“My own country Jamaica doesn't give me the respect but I'm happy because other people outside do and appreciate me more than my own country.

“I'm happy that I'm able to be crowned elsewhere apart from Jamaica so I will continue to do what I'm doing until I'm happy to step away when it's time.”

Blake then when on how Jamaicans have forsaken him because he is no longer winning despite bringing glory to the country in the past.

“Jamaica loves winners and once you're not winning, they're not supporting you. I don't need their support, I have my own support staff and I'm my own motivator,” he added.

“This season has been rough, I have been battling a lot of injuries, I'm just fighting because I know how to get up.”

The 34-year-old detailed how injuries have slowed him down while expressing a desire to battle through.

“My back has been bothering me, I can't get up and sprint. I also have muscle and some old injuries. I have also been battling with hamstring,” said Blake.

“People look at the outside but don't know what is going on inside but I have to let them talk. I have been knocked down so many times and I know how it feels to stand up.”

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