Jamaica starts its covid vaccine programme this week but widespread mistrust and disinformation has led to many not wanting to take it. One who will refuse to take it if offered is sprint star Yohan Blake.
In fact, he said he would rather miss this summer's Tokyo Olympic Games, which is likely to be his last, than take any COVID-19 vaccines.
Blake, who has raced in the Cayman Islands in the past, was speaking shortly after competing at the JAAA Qualification Meet at the National Stadium on Saturday, where he placed third in his 200 metres.
"My mind still stays strong, I don't want any vaccine, I rather to miss the Olympics than take the vaccine, I am not taking it," said Blake, 31, who recently launched a sports rehabilitation facility.
"I don't really want to get into it now, but I have my reasons," added Blake, who remains the second fastest man in history in the 100m and 200m with times of 9.69 and 19.26 seconds respectively.
The 2011 world 100m champion and double sprint silver medal winner from the 2012 London Olympic Games, added that he is hoping to compete internationally in May although having a vaccine may be compulsory for international travellers by then.
Comments (0)
We appreciate your feedback. You can comment here with your pseudonym or real name. You can leave a comment with or without entering an email address. All comments will be reviewed before they are published.