This past season we witnessed the Jamaican Sprint dominance grow in the 100 meters. One could argue had Asafa Powell been healthy and Usain Bolt did not false start, the Jamaicans could have gone 1-2-3 in the 100 meters at the World Championships.
Now as American it certainly is disheartening to see the United States struggle so mightily in the short sprints. It is what it is, some would say. Yohan Blake just 21 years of age has burst onto the scene with his decisive victory in the 100 meters at the World Championships in Daegu.
Although his time was not truly impressive you must take into account that the time was into a headwind. What truly vaulted Blake to sprint super stardom was his rocket 200 meter performance at the Diamond League meet in Brussells, Belgium. Blake clocked in astounding 19.26 with a bad start. His time is the 2nd fastest 200 meter performance of all time. Jamaica now owns the two best times in world history in the 200 meter dash.
Blake's rise to stardom is not truly a shock to many. Blake a former World Junior Medalist and current training partner of Usain Bolt was predicted to be great. Blake clocked in a 10.21 as a junior athlete at Champs in Jamaica setting a record.
Argument for Usain Bolt
Bolt is perhaps the most electrifying sprinter we have ever seen in track and field. Bolt a 6'5 tall statuesque figure with seemingly limitless speed. Bolt has yet to truly tap in to his potential. It was his coach Glen Mills who took Bolt's training up a notch with 400 meter training. It has since worked. Although Bolt has spent the last two seasons as a showman he is still my favorite to win the Olympic Gold in 100 and 200 meters dashes. His time of 19.40 coming off a season ending injury from the previous seasons should set a warning to all those who doubt him.
Argument for Yohan Blake
The next big talent in World Class Sprinting. Blake busted onto the main stage early in the season at the Jamaican Invitational clocking in at 9.83 slightly wind-aided. He was proving that his times of 9.89 and 19.78 in 2010 were no joke. He had an early set back finishing behind Asafa Powell at the Jamaican National Championships, however making the team. At the World Championships in Daegu an injured Asafa Powell dropped out of the Championships. This move left room for Blake on the podium.
In the finals of the 100 meters Bolt false started and the race was declared wide open. Blake proved to be the clear winner with a dominant performance. His time of 9.92 was the only sub 10 second performance into a strong headwind. He has yet to beat Bolt one on one but knows his weaknesses as his training partner. Blake may even be better that Bolt was in London. Beware of the youngster.
For now my pick is Usain Bolt. Until he is dethroned at his best, he is safe bet to win the 100 and 200 meter dashes.
