Ackeem Blake wins the diamond league final in Brussels. (Image via: Blake Instagram)

"I was deeply focused, I could hear my coach"- Ackeem Blake reflects on Diamond League final victory after devastating exit at the Paris Olympics

Modified Sep 16, 2024 07:17 GMT

Ackeem Blake recently reflected on his Diamond League victory in Brussels following a disappointing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Blake stunned the American duo of Christian Coleman and Fred Kerley to secure the top place in the men's 100m event at the Diamond League final in Belgium.

The Jamaican sprinter was the only athlete in the lineup to clock a sub-10 performance, claiming first place with 9.93 seconds. Coleman and Kerley, the Paris Olympics bronze medalist, posted 10.00 seconds and 10.01 seconds, respectively.

Blake achieved this career milestone after an underwhelming run at the French capital. The 22-year-old fell short of qualifying for the final round of the 100m in Paris after settling in fifth place in the semifinal round. He clocked a subpar time of 10.06 to finish in fifth place behind Kenny Bednarek's 9.93 seconds.

Following his run at the Diamond League finals, he took to social media to reflect on his last race of the season. He stated that after the semi-final exit in Paris, he and his team were committed to delivering a remarkable performance in Brussels.

"In this moment, I was deeply focused, I could hear my coach @michaelfrater876 guiding me through every phase of the race, "Blake wrote. "After a devastating exit in the semi-finals at the Paris Olympics. My team and I decided that we must put all our resources into making and taking the Diamond League Final."

He added:

"Thanks to everyone who believed.Big up: @puma @pumarunning @dynamic_speed. See you next season. I’m out. One Love!"

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"This is only the beginning" - Ackeem Blake reflects on his 2024 season

Ackeem Blake during 4 x 100m relay at 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo via Getty Images)

Ackeem Blake's victory at the Brussels Diamond League Final came after a few subpar performances this year.

He remained away from the finals in Paris, finished third in the Silesia Meeting with 9.89 seconds, and settled in fourth place in Rome with 10.03 seconds. In an interview with Pulse Sports Kenya, he reflected on his season, stating although he delivered a few mediocre performances throughout the season, he finished the season on a high note due to his resilient mindset.

“I’ve been working very hard this season and I kept motivated," Blake said. "That’s why I am so strong at the end of this season. I know what I am capable of and I know that this is only the beginning. There’s much more to come in the next years.”

Ackeem Blake secured a bronze medal in the 60m dash at the World Indoor Championships to kick off his 2024 season.