Rejoicing in Bogue Hill
Published:Monday | August 29, 2011 | 12:00 AM
- Yohan's parents, friends give thanks for answered prayers
Nagra Plunkett, Assignment Coordinator
WESTERN BUREAU:
Veda Blake's shouts of praise were expected to be loudest at the Bogue Hill Baptist Church in St James yesterday, mere hours after she watched her son Yohan snatch the 100-metre finals for men at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics. Blake had a questioning look on her face when she realised that her son's performance in Daegu, South Korea, had thrust her family into the media spotlight.
"But I'm going to church, you know. I have to go to church," she said bashfully.
However, despite the bittersweet victory for 21-year-old Yohan, who went on to win the race after the disqualification of defending champion and record holder Usain Bolt, his family is very excited about his win.
"I'm feeling very good, just excellent," a more composed Blake told The Gleaner.
Yohan's father, Shirley, recalled whispering a prayer as the athletes walked on to the tracks.
"Funny enough, I lay down in the bed and I say 'God, You see that he is really trying, so just give him the strength to pull through, 'cause he's been doing so well'," the senior Blake stated.
"When Usain false-started, I know it was his race because there was no one else there to beat him."
He shared that 'Claude', Yohan's pet name used by the family, had a strong love for cricket when he was growing up and even wanted to play for the West Indies.
Love for track and field
Blake said his son's love for track and field became noticeable after the family moved from Bogue Hill, St James, to Bullet Tree, near Old Harbour in St Catherine.
"I remember when he took up running, that he had this friend and the two of them would run from Bullet Tree to Old Harbour," the father mentioned proudly.
"I am very, very happy for him. He has worked hard."
Yohan, a former student of St Jago High School, is the sixth of seven children for his parents. His older sister, Thonalee, 23, said she was glued to her television from as early as 6 a.m.
"Mi feel good!" she said. "I did not move from in front the TV. From him start the races, mi glue to the TV."
Childhood friend Toure Graham was equally excited about Yohan's gold-medal performance.
"Mi feel happy, man. Is a humble youth from wi a run up and down a play cricket and football," said Graham. "Everything happens for a reason, and today was just Yohan's time to shine."