Kishane put us back on the map'- World's second-fastest man

The Jamaican sprint icon has shared his excitement for Jamaica’s sprinting future, praising young talents like Kishane Thompson, Oblique Seville and Ackeem Blake, whom he believes can keep Jamaica on the world stage.

Jamaican sprint icon Yohan Blake has expressed his enthusiasm for the next generation of Jamaican sprinters citing names that he believes will continue the nation’s dominance on the global stage.

Speaking candidly on a recent SportsMax podcast, the 34-year-old reflected on his own journey in track and field, the importance of balanced training, and the emerging talents that have caught his eye.

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During the podcast, Blake gave special recognition to his compatriots, especially 22-year-old Ackeem Blake, who he believes has a strong future in Jamaican sprinting.

“I really have to credit Ackeem. He used to walk from San San to Kingston and go back on the same day,” he said.

Blake, a former world champion and one of Jamaica’s most celebrated sprinters alongside Usain Bolt, also mentioned sprinters Kishane Thompson and Oblique Seville as athletes to watch.

“Kishane put us back on the map by getting a medal at the Olympics, and I believe we can get more,” Blake shared.

“Oblique has the potential. Definitely, Ackeem also has the potential. The crop is there.”

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Blake, who burst onto the global stage in 2011 after his mentor and teammate Bolt was disqualified due to a false start in the World Championships final, took the opportunity in Daegu, South Korea, to secure the 100m gold medal with a time of 9.92 seconds.

Later that year, Blake clocked an astonishing 19.26 seconds in the 200m in Brussels, marking the second-fastest time in history and solidifying his status among the elite.

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His achievements continued in 2012 when he defeated Bolt twice at the Jamaican Olympic Trials in the 100m and 200m events, earning him the nickname “The Beast,” a title bestowed by Bolt himself.

Reflecting on his own career, Blake emphasized the value of mental resilience and balanced training.

“These guys need to stay focused, and the sky is the limit,” he said.

“Because they can put us back on the map by getting a medal at the Olympics, and I believe we can get more.”

Blake’s journey to sprinting success began in his early years, where his talent was first recognized by his coach, Carlton Solan, at Davis Primary School.

Initially a cricket enthusiast, Blake’s love for fast bowling translated seamlessly to sprinting speed.

By the time he attended St. Jago High School, he had already earned a reputation for his athletic prowess, ultimately steering him toward a career in track and field.

It was at St. Jago that Blake honed his skills and set his sights on competing at the highest level, encouraged by his school principal and coaches.

Today, Blake remains a prominent figure in athletics and a respected mentor to the next generation of sprinters.

His passion for the sport and belief in his successors are evident as he speaks about their potential.

“I’m thrilled to see the talent coming up,” he shared.

“These young guys have what it takes, not only to bring medals home but to continue inspiring the next wave of Jamaican athletes. They remind me of why I started in the first place.”