"Jamaicans we really do have to do better"- Fans empathize with Yohan Blake following statement on poor treatment during battle with injuries

Yohan Blake spoke on his vulnerability and mentioned how injuries slowed him down, making him lose the respect of Jamaicans. Blake revealed that Jamaicans would only come out to support athletes whenever they win but disclosed that he has learned how to live with that harsh reality.

His recent event was the London Diamond League Meeting where he finished eighth in 10.23. After the race, Yohan Blake caught up with @LillzTIL in a video shared on the latter's X handle.

In the interview, Yohan Blake went down memory lane, recounting his dominant exploits at the London 2012 Olympic Games where he finished second behind Usain Bolt. Notably, Blake clocked 9.75 to cross the finish line.

Despite his unforgettable performances on the global scene, Yohan Blake bemoaned that Jamaicans do not give him the respect he deserves. However, he remains satisfied because the world recognizes his efforts, which he says is enough for him.

"My own country Jamaica doesn't give me the respect but I'm happy they don't because other people outside do and they 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 said in part.

Hearing the athlete's comments, fans rallied behind Yohan Blake, admitting that his efforts to redefine the sprinting era will never be forgotten. Jamaican fans flooded the comment section, promising to do better with their national treasures.

"We’ve heard a lot of Jamaican athletes over the years speak about the lack of support because they aren’t winning and there are a lot of Jamaicans on social media and traditional media who want to minimize what they are saying. We (as a collective) need to do better," a fan commented.

"Feel like I’ve seen a few different posts this year about Jamaican athletes not getting love and support from the country. Surprised that it seems to be a trend," another fan opined.

"Lawks. Jamaicans we really do have to do better. This is the cry of so many of our athletes. Yohan has done great things repping our country, it pains me that he feels this way," another fan opined.

Here are more reactions from fans:

"Yohan Blake deserves all the respect. he’s paid his dues and then some, he coulda retired years ago yet he’s still going. heart of a champion," a fan chimed in.

"God bless you Yohan @YohanBlake, we love you," another fan noted.

"This hurt my soul because @YohanBlake is such a legend and deserves all the respect and admiration in the world," a fan penned.

Yohan Blake shares a series of injuries that have cost his glamorous sprinting career

Yohan Blake at the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 - Day Two (Getty Images)

Yohan Blake is undoubtedly one of the greatest sprinters in the world and perhaps, the only athlete who threatened Usain Bolt’s dominance in the global sprinting scene.

Blake is the second fastest man alive, thanks to the 9.69 seconds he ran to win the Diamond League Meeting in Lausanne shortly after his classy run at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

However, injuries started becoming the order of the day for the Jamaican sprint king, affecting his career. Following Bolt’s retirement, all eyes were on Yohan Blake to make the sport interesting again but he could not live up to the billing due to the numerous injuries he had to deal with.

"This season has been rough, I have been battling a lot of injuries, I'm just fighting because I know how to get up. 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 my hamstring," Yohan Blake said of his injuries.

"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," he added.

Yohan Blake wanted to retire after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games but sadly could not make the cut for the Jamaican Olympic team. He finished fifth in the preliminaries to miss a spot in the final.

At the Olympic Games, Jamaica will be represented by young talent led by Kishane Thompson. Thompson will enjoy the company of Oblique Seville and Ackeem Blake in the men’s 100m.