Category: Track and field

 

 

Here is everything you need to know about Yohan Blake’s career to date and why he has not lived up to expectations.

Yohan Blake is a Jamaican sprinter who specialises in 100 and 200-meter races. He has had a lot on his plate since he came into the limelight.

 

Although he has shown glimpses of what he is capable of when fully fit, Yokan Blake’s career has been characterised by so many setbacks.

 

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From breakthrough year all the way to almost being forgotten, his journey points out a lack of consistency, given his troubles with injuries, that have hampered his growth.

 

Pulse Sports brings you everything regarding Yohan Blake and his life on track.

 

1. Yokan Blake’s early promise

Yohan Blake: The heir that never was? What happened to Usain Bolt’s expected successor

Yohan Blake is the second fastest man in history.

Yohan Blake has had a fare share of his success on the track in the 100-metre and 200-metre sprint races, since shooting to prominence at the 2011 World Championships as the youngest 100m world champion ever.

 

Yohan Blake: Who are the parents of the second fastest sprinter in history?

Yohan Blake: Who are the parents of the second fastest sprinter in history?

He is the beneficiary of Usain Bolt’s false start in 2011 when he won the 100m title.

 

To underline that his 2011 truimph was not by fluke, Blake was a silver medalist in the 2012 Olympic Games in London in the 100m and 200m races for the Jamaican team behind Usain Bolt. His times of 9.75 in 100m and 19.44 in 200m are the fastest 100m and 200m Olympic sprints in history to place second.

 

2. Why people thought he’d be the next Bolt

Yohan Blake: The heir that never was? What happened to Usain Bolt’s expected successor

Yohan Blake celebrates with the Jamaican flag.

Blake is the second‑fastest man ever in both 100m and 200m at his peak. Together with Tyson Gay, he is the joint second fastest man ever over 100m with a personal best of 9.69 seconds which he ran on August 23, 2012 into a slight headwind of -0.2m/s compared to Tyson Gay’s +2.0m/s making his time (with wind adjustments) the second fastest time of all time. Only Usain Bolt has run faster (9.58s and 9.63s) than Blake.

 

Faster than lightening: 3 Athletes who have broken Usain Bolt’s record

Faster than lightening: 3 Athletes who have broken Usain Bolt’s record

His personal best for the 200m of 19.26 seconds is the second fastest time ever after Bolt (19.19 seconds). Blake holds the Jamaican national junior record for the 100 metres, and was the youngest sprinter to have broken the 10-second barrier at 19 years, 196 days old before Trayvon Bromell ran 100m in 9.97 seconds at 18 years 11 months and 3 days old.

 

His head-to-head battles with Bolt were hard to imagine, even sometimes beating Bolt in races. Bolt even called Yohan Blake his biggest threat because of his potential and stats that surprised everyone.

 

3. What went wrong?

Yohan Blake: The heir that never was? What happened to Usain Bolt’s expected successor

Second fastest man in history Yohan Blake can still make a stunning comeback.

Injuries – recurring hamstring injuries from 2013 onwards derailed his career. Blake tore his hamstring, which prevented him from qualifying for the 200m event at the 2013 World Championships. In July 2014, Blake tore his left hamstring while competing in the 100m at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland. He fell to the ground and was carted off in a wheelchair.

 

To date, Blake says the 2014 injury still affects him, contributing to his decline in performance and consistency. Blake failed to make Jamaica’s team to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

 

Training and coaching changes – Blake has worked with several coaches including Glen Mills, Patrick Dawson, Gregory Little and Michael Frater. Mills worked with Blake between 2009-2019 while Dawson only handled him in 2019. Little coached Blake from 2020 until Blake parted ways with him after four years. Perhaps shifting from where Bolt trained under coach Mills to different setups affected his performance.

 

Mental pressure and expectations – Being labeled ‘the next Bolt’ may have been a heavy burden. The rise of young sprinters like Andre De Grasse, Fred Kerley and others took the spotlight.

 

4. His post-Bolt era performance

Yohan Blake: The heir that never was? What happened to Usain Bolt’s expected successor

Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake

Blake is still competing but no longer at his dominant level considering that he is 35. He has struggled in recent Olympic and world championships events but does he still have a shot at redemption?

 

5. Legacy and what next

Yohan Blake: The heir that never was? What happened to Usain Bolt’s expected successor

Yohan Blake ran his fastest time in a Lausanne meet in 2012 (

The question that might be disturbing many people is that is Blake a wasted talent or just unlucky?. Blake should be remembered for his second fastest times behind only Bolt and his emergence in 2011 at the world championships.

 

While Blake has given a hint that there’s more left in his tank, it remains to be seen whether he will stay fit. Currently Blake is stepping up his fitness and is expected to take part in major assignments this year.

 

Everything you need to know about reigning Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi. Photos || FILE

Everything you need to know about 2024 Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi, born on August 1, 2004, in Kapretwa, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya, has rapidly ascended to prominence in the world of middle-distance running, particularly in the 800 metres event.

 

, at the age of 20, Wanyonyi’s remarkable achievements have not only solidified his status as a premier athlete but have also significantly bolstered his financial standing

 

Emmanuel Wanyonyi: Net Worth: Family, Age, Career, World Records, Wife, How Rich is he in 2025?

Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s early life & family

Emmanuel Wanyonyi: Net Worth: Family, Age, Career, World Records, Wife, How Rich is he in 2025?

Emmanuel Wanyonyi reveals next stop as his hunt for David Rudisha’s world record intensifies Image source: Imago Emmanuel Wanyonyi: Net Worth: Family, Age, Career, World Records, Wife, How Rich is he in 2025?

Growing up as the fifth of twelve children, Wanyonyi faced considerable economic challenges. At the tender age of 10, financial constraints forced him to abandon his primary education and take up cattle herding to support his family.

 

Tragedy struck when he was 14, with the passing of his father, prompting his mother to relocate with his younger siblings.

 

Despite these hardships, Wanyonyi’s passion for running remained undiminished. A perceptive teacher recognized his talent and encouraged him to return to school, a decision that would pave the way for his athletic career.

 

Under the mentorship of renowned former athlete Janeth Jepkosgei – who linked him to Italian coach Claudio Berardelli, Wanyonyi honed his skills, setting the stage for his future successes.

 

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Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s athletic career and records

Emmanuel Wanyonyi: Net Worth: Family, Age, Career, World Records, Wife, How Rich is he in 2025?

Marco Arop and Emmanuel Wanyonyi Emmanuel Wanyonyi: Net Worth: Family, Age, Career, World Records, Wife, How Rich is he in 2025?

Wanyonyi’s breakthrough came in 2021 when he clinched the gold medal at the World Under-20 Championships, setting a championship record in the process.

 

In 2022, he faltered finishing fourth at the World Athletics Championships, but he finally won his first senior medal in 2023 when he clinched silver at the World Championships in Budapest.

 

The youngster was nominated for the World Athletics Rising Star Awards in 2023, which he ended up winning

 

His upward trajectory continued, and by 2024, he had etched his name in the annals of athletics history. In April 2024, he set a world record in the road mile with a time of 3:54.56 during the adizero Road to Records event in Herzogenaurach, Germany.

 

He won his first senior Olympic medal at the Paris Olympics, edging out fierce rivals Marco Arop and Djamel Sedjati to win the award.

 

This record stood until September 2024. Later that year, in August, Wanyonyi delivered a stellar performance at the Lausanne Diamond League, matching Wilson Kipketer’s 1997 time of 1:41.11 in the 800 metres, making them jointly the second-fastest athletes ever in this event, trailing only David Rudisha’s world record of 1:40.91.

 

Emmanuel Wanyonyi: Net Worth: Family, Age, Career, World Records, Wife, How Rich is he in 2025?

Emmanuel Wanyonyi won the Olympic 800m gold medal in Paris

Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s net worth and earnings in 2025

Wanyonyi’s athletic prowess has translated into substantial financial rewards. His gold medal victory at the 2024 Summer Olympics not only brought him international acclaim but also a monetary prize of $50,000 from World Athletics, complemented by an additional Ksh3 million from the Kenyan government.

 

While specific figures regarding his earnings from the world record in Herzogenaurach remain undisclosed, it’s evident that such achievements come with significant financial incentives.

 

Moreover, his participation and victories in various Diamond League events have further augmented his income.

 

Considering these earnings, along with potential endorsements and sponsorships from companies like Adidas, it’s estimated that Wanyonyi’s net worth in 2025 is approximately $1 million.

 

Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s personal life

Despite his rising fame and fortune, Wanyonyi remains grounded and private about his personal life. As of 2025, he has already concerned that he is in the process of courtship with an unnamed woman.

 

He outlined his conditions for what he wants in a potential wife, making it clear he wants to settle down with a local girl, rather than an urban one.

 

His focus appears to be steadfastly on his athletic career, with aspirations to break existing world records and further elevate Kenya’s prominence in middle-distance running.

 

Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s journey from a young cattle herder in rural Kenya to an Olympic gold medalist and world record holder is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and exceptional talent.

 

As he continues to push the boundaries of his sport, the world eagerly anticipates the next milestones in his already illustrious career.

 

Usain Bolt retired as one of the greatest sprinters to ever grace the track but eight years after calling it a day on his incredible career, the 38-year-old believes he could still clock a phenomenal timing in a 100-metre race.

 

The Olympic legend set a world record speed of 9:58 secs at the 2009 World Championships that has lasted until this day and does not look in danger of being beaten.

 

After a career full of medals and breaking world records, the Jamaican legend signed off in style by winning a bronze in the 2017 World Championships 100-metre race.

 

 

 

However, eight years after his last professional track event, Bolt still believes he could still record the kind of timing most could only dream of in a 100-metre race.

 

“Maybe 10:30, that would be me,” said the eight-time Olympic gold medalist on The Obi One podcast.

 

In his world record run of 9:58, Bolt ran the quickest 10-metre time in a mere 0.81 seconds, which is about the same speed as a horse.

 

 

 

Although the track legend agreed he was not quick as he was back then, Bolt revealed he was planning on training for three weeks and attempting to compete in a race to rubberstamp his 100-metre time eight years on from his retirement.

 

“Everybody asks this question now,” Bolt said.

 

“I’m gonna go home, I’m gonna train for three weeks, I’m gonna do some work for three weeks and go to the track and do it and see how fast and so I can put it out because I have no idea.”

 

Sprinting legend Usain Bolt remains the world-record holder over 100 metres

Sprinting legend Usain Bolt remains the world-record holder over 100 metres

 

Bolt broke the 100-metre record three times in his career after first snatching the feat away from Tyson Gay in 2008 by clocking 9:72.

 

He then went on to break his own time in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Finals, only to later break it again in 2009 by clinching the gold medal in a record 9:58 secs.

 

His 100-metre record has not even been close to being broken as no sprinter has yet breached the 9:60 mark, though the likes of Noah Lyles and Gout Gout are both contenders for that crown in years to come.

 

Although he dominated the 100-metre dash throughout his career, Bolt’s world record in the 200-metre event of 19:19 also still remains intact and the track legend admitted he actually preferred the latter event compared to his trademark race.

 

 

 

When Jamaican sprinter Warren Weir told Usain Bolt about his career change, the Olympic icon cut a bemused figure.

 

After all, Weir finished behind only Bolt and fellow Jamaican great Yohan Blake in the 200m event at the 2012 London Olympics to secure a bronze medal.

 

 

(LtoR) Silver medallist Jamaica’s Yohan Blake, gold medallist Jamaica’s Usain Bolt and bronze medallist Jamaica’s Warren Weir pose on the podium after the men’s 200m final at the athletics event during the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 9, 2012 in London.

Bolt (centre) overcame Weir (right) in the 200m final at the London Olympics

It meant Weir helped create Jamaican athletic history, as the 200m race was the first time the Caribbean nation enjoyed a podium clean sweep in a men’s event.

 

The 35-year-old even clocked a personal best time of 19.84 seconds as he claimed the bronze.

 

However, when Weir injured his hamstring at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia, he recognised his time on the track was nearing its end.

 

 

But his sporting career was not.

 

“It’s not about quitting. It’s about knowing when to move on.”

 

With Weir knowing the curtains on his athletic career were about to be drawn, he decided he would try his hand at rugby sevens.

 

Weir won medals at the Olympics, the World Championships and Commonwealth Games

Weir won medals at the Olympics, the World Championships and Commonwealth GamesCredit: Getty

Rugby sevens is far less physical than the 15-a-side format of the game and players blessed with speed, like Weir, can exploit the multiple gaps across the field.

 

In fact, it was the Jamaican rugby sevens team that approached Weir, rather than the other way around.

 

 

But the Olympic medallist was all too keen to try his hand at the sport.

 

Speaking to the Olympics Channel, Weir revealed how his former rival Bolt reacted to his career change.

 

Safe to say, the eight-time Olympic gold medallist was rather surprised.

 

“Bolt’s a good friend of mine and we see each other at the track a lot,” Weir said.

 

 

Weir had never played rugby sevens until he was approached by Jamaica’s team

Weir had never played rugby sevens until he was approached by Jamaica’s teamCredit: @warren_weir on Instagram

“It’s just chatting and jokes. When I told him that I was going to rugby he was like, ‘Yo, bro are you joking? You’re so slim!’”

 

It was just three months later when Weir made his rugby sevens debut as he represented Jamaica at the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games.

 

The Jamaican team, also known as the ‘Crocs’, finished third after beating Trinidad and Tobago 26-5 in the bronze medal match.

 

 

Although Weir was pleased to pick up a medal in his new sport, his main ambition was to help the Crocs qualify for the rugby sevens event at the Tokyo Olympics.

 

However, his dream failed to materialise, as Jamaica finished last in their pool at the final qualification tournament.

 

They lost all three of their matches against France, Hong Kong and Chile, scoring just ten points and conceding 102.

 

 

 

The pair will now focus on their outdoor campaigns, with the ultimate aim being September’s World Championships in Tokyo

Laviai Nielsen and Jemma Reekie have announced that they have ended their indoor seasons.

 

The pair, who both represented Great Britain on the track at last year’s Olympics in Paris, will now prepare for their outdoor campaigns, with the season’s pinnacle being the Tokyo World Championships in September.

 

“Unfortunately, I’ve made the decision to end my indoor season here so no British Champs for me this weekend,” Nielsen said.

 

“After a challenging winter with a few setbacks, I know I’m not in the shape I need to be to compete at my best. It’s never easy to step away, but this is the right call to focus on getting stronger for the outdoor season.”

 

 

GB women’s 4x400m squad in Paris

 

The 28-year-old competed in three indoor 400m races in February, clocking a season’s best of 51.88 at the Meeting Metz Moselle Athlelor in France.

 

Nielsen’s personal best in the indoor 400m is the 50.89 that placed her fourth at last year’s World Indoor Championships in Glasgow.

 

The Brit also finished 12th overall in the Paris Olympic 400m semi-finals and secured two bronzes in the women’s and mixed 4x400m relays at the Stade de France.

 

 

 

Reekie has also made the decision to cut short her indoor season, with the main focus being outdoors.

 

“I’ve decided the best way for myself to get ready for this outdoor season is to prioritise me and get back to work,” she said.

 

The 26-year-old competed in two indoor 800m races in February, with her season’s best being the 1:59.72 she ran at the Meeting Metz Moselle Athlelor in France.

 

Although Reekie didn’t make the Olympic 800m final, she secured a silver medal over the distance on home soil at last year’s World Indoor Championships in Glasgow.

 

Reekie also improved her outright 800m best to 1:55.61 at the London Diamond League, going second on the UK all-time list behind only Keely Hodgkinson.

 

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Usain Bolt was once stripped of an Olympic gold medal for a heartbreaking reason nearly a decade after winning it.

 

Bolt, 38, is an eight-time Olympic gold medallist but once boasted nine triumphs.

 

During his hugely successful sprinting career, he smashed world records in the 100m, 200m and 4 x 100m relay and is still the only athlete to win 100m and 200m golds in three consecutive Olympics – in 2008, 2012 and 2016.

 

The Jamaican completed the remarkable ‘triple triple’ of golds at the Rio de Janeiro games in Brazil only for the achievement to be taken from him after his teammate from the Beijing games in 2008 tested positive for a banned substance.

 

 

According to reports by BBC Sport, Carter, 39, was tested on the evening of the 4 x 100m final in Beijing, China.

 

No “adverse analytical finding” was found at the time.

 

However, an anomaly was discovered in Carter’s sample following the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to retest 454 samples from the games using updated scientific methods.

 

Carter and the Jamaican team were then informed of the adverse finding in May 2016.

 

 

Reuters reported that his ‘B’ sample also came back positive for a banned substance.

 

The decision was appealed by Carter in February 2017 before a hearing was held in Switzerland in November 2017. The ban was upheld.

 

The 2008 Jamaican Olympic 4 x 100m team

The substance named Methylhexanamine had been on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list since 2004 but was reclassified in 2011 to a “specified substance”.

 

 

 

“It’s heartbreaking [the positive test] because over the years you’ve worked hard to accumulate gold medals and work hard to be a champion … but it’s just one of those things,” Bolt said when pressed on the situation in 2016.

 

“Things happen in life, so when it’s confirmed or whatever, if I need to give back my gold medal, I’d have to give it back; it’s not a problem for me.”

 

In another interview [quotes via talkSPORT] he added: “I am disappointed based on losing a medal.

 

“But it won’t take away from what I have done throughout my career, because I have won my individual events and that’s the key thing.”

 

 

 

He explained: “What can you do? I’ve done all I wanted in the sport, I have really impacted the sport, I’ve really accomplished a lot, so for me, I can’t complain.”

 

And despite sporting one less gold medal, there’s no doubting Bolt’s legacy in the sport and his long-standing world records speak for themselves.