Yohan did his best!

Nagra Plunkett, Assignment Coordinator

WESTERN BUREAU:

There were inadequate words to describe Shirley Blake's emotions for his son's 19.44 silver medal run in the 200 metre finals at the London Olympics yesterday.

The elder Blake said Yohan gave the best of himself in finishing behind double Olympic champion, training partner and fellow countryman, Usain Bolt. He was one place before his colleague and third-place finisher Warren Weir, who ended the race in a time of 19.84 seconds.

"He did his very best, I am feeling nice. It can't get much better than that," Yohan's father told The Gleaner.

He also disclosed that the 21-year-old star athlete called the family home in Bogue Hill, St James, hours before the finals to check up on his parents and siblings.

Yohan's mother, Veda, was very thankful that her son had copped another medal at his first Olympic Games. He also placed second in the 100m final behind Bolt last Sunday.

"I am happy. I like how it played out - the three Jamaican brothers on the stand," she said. "It was a good race."

As is customary when Yohan is competing, his parents and his sisters gathered at the family home to watch him perform.

His 15-year-old sister, Daniella, the more reserved sibling of the Blake clan, told The Gleaner she was proud of her brother's accomplishment.

"I'm feeling very excited and happy. I am satisfied with what my brother has achieved and what the other Jamaicans got in the race," she said.

nagra.plunkett@gleanerjm.com