‘I am over the moon’

Olympian Yohan Blake was yesterday honoured by the United States Congress, Florida District.

The District hailed Blake “for his achievements in track and field and for inspiring athletes and communities worldwide.”

Speaking with The Gleaner from Florida, the 36-year-old declared that he was overjoyed by the recognition.

“I am over the moon you know. Dreams do come true, and for me to be a part of Congress you know getting this proclamation, it’s really an honour for me and my family of course. I just want to thank Marlon Bolton for always looking out for me and making sure that I get what I deserve. I give God thanks you know. To Congresswoman Sheila, I really do appreciate her looking out for me as well. I just want to thank the city of Tamarac and I give God thanks.”

Perseverance, excellence

Bolton, the Jamaica-born Vice Mayor and District 1 Commissioner of Tamarac, the first black person to hold the position, has partnered with Blake on several community and charitable initiatives.

The proclamation over the signature of Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormack, hailed Blake for inspiring “countless athletes across the Caribbean and around the world, serving as a powerful example of perseverance, excellence, and dedication to sport.”

“Be it resolved that we, Florida’s 20th Congressional District, proudly recognizes and honour Yohan Blake for his remarkable achievements in athletics and for the inspiration he continues to provide to aspiring athletes and communities worldwide.”

Blake, the joint second-fastest man over 100 metres in history, was conferred with the Order of Distinction, Commander Class on National Heroes Day in October of last year.

A known businessman and philanthropist, his YBAfraid Foundation has adopted three Children’s Homes in Jamaica and he owns a rehabilitation centre in Kingston and a sporting athletics facility in China.

Blake remains the youngest 100 metre world champion in history, winning at age 21, at the 2011 World Championships, where he was also part of the 4x100-metre team, which won gold in world record time in Daegu.

He was part of Jamaica’s sprint relay team which won the Olympic title and set a world record at the 2012 London Games and returned to also help the team defend their title at the 2016 Olympics in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.

Blake also picked up two silver medals at the 2012 London Games and has a plethora of medals at high level competition having represented Jamaica from the junior level.