Sprint sensation Ackeem Blake has demonstrated consistency among the new generation of runners spearheading Jamaica’s resurgence in male sprinting with several massive performances in recent times to restore the country’s place on the podium. As the countdown to the Olympic trials and Games in Paris continues, we look at his rise and achievements.
Blake, who shot to international notoriety following a breakout 2022 season, where he moved his PB from 10.19 to 9.95 seconds inside four months, capped off a remarkable year by landing gold in the men’s 100m at the North America Central America and Caribbean (NACAC) Championships in the Bahamas.
The win was Jamaica’s first major men’s sprint title since Usain Bolt’s historic exploits in 2016.
That potential was again on show at the world level as Blake delivered another drought-breaking performance in Jamaican male sprints following his Bronze medal in the 60m at the Word Indoor Athletic Championships.
The Medal was Jamaica’s first individual global sprinting accolade for the nation’s men, coincidentally since Bolt’s Bronze at the 2017 World Championships.
The Medal was Jamaica’s first individual global sprinting accolade for men, coincidentally since Bolt’s Bronze at the 2017 World Championships.
The Titan track club sprinter, who has since improved his personal record to 9.89 seconds, has gradually become a contender among the top names, including former World Champion Chris Coleman, with whom he has developed a rivalry getting the better of the American four of their 11 meetings.
