YOHAN BLAKE plans career change, eyes 100 world record....Will look to play cricket in the UK..... English county side Yorkshire has offered him a chance to fulfil a childhood dream

Monday, May 19, 2014    

LONDON, England (CMC) — Yohan Blake said he plans to make a career change when he retires from the track in another six years.

YOHAN BLAKE

The former world 100 metres champion from Jamaica said English county side Yorkshire has offered him a chance to fulfil a childhood dream of playing cricket at a high level.

“Cricket is my first love,” said Blake in an interview with the BBC. “I’ve wanted to play for Yorkshire or in England for a long time.” Blake said he wants to follow in the footsteps of legendary West Indies captain and current manager Richie Richardson and play for the club in the north of England.

The 24-year-old Blake is a decent fast-medium bowler and decent middle to lower order batsman and has turned out regularly for Kingston Cricket Club in Jamaican club championship.

Getting down to business, Blake said he has overcome the hamstring injury that prevented him from defending his world 100m crown at last year’s World Championships in Russia.

He said his eyes are also firmly set on establishing a new mark for the 100 and toppling compatriot Usain Bolt from the top of the pedestal. “This is a good year to return to top form,” he said. “When I came on the scene in 2009, I’ve been leaving personal bests every end of the year, so you might see one this year.

“If I break the world record, it’s my time. Usain’s had his time, and is still having it. Whatever I do this season I just want to give a surprise to the world. My potential is far greater than what I’m running now.”

Compatriot Bolt established the world record of 9.58 seconds five years ago at the World Championships in Berlin — but Blake is unfazed by challenging his Racers Track Club teammate. “I wouldn’t say Usain’s record is untouchable,” said Blake. more