Jamaica: Ace Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake, who is popularly known as 'the Beast', on Monday morning created a stir with his controversial statement that he would "rather miss the Tokyo Olympics" than get vaccinated for COVID-19.
"My mind still stays strong. I don't want any vaccine. I'd rather miss the Olympics than take the vaccine; I am not taking it," Blake was quoted as saying by a leading Jamaican daily.
"I don't really want to get into it now, but I have my reasons."
However, Blake can still be a part of the Tokyo Games, even if decides not to take the COVID vaccine as it is not required for the athletes competing in the Tokyo Summer Games.
Also Read: Para-athlete Nishad Kumar has corona
Clarifying its stand on the COVID vaccine, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had earlier said that it is "encouraging" the athletes to take the vaccine. However, it is not mandatory for participation.
Also Read: India's skeet mixed teams miss their mark at ISSF Shotgun World Cup
The 2020 Tokyo Games is expected to be Blake's third and final appearance in the Olympics.
-
Positive energy with love and respect. #Loveyourself #StrongerTogether #mindset. pic.twitter.com/8zfDpcBqD8
— Yohan Blake (@YohanBlake) February 28, 2021 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">Positive energy with love and respect. #Loveyourself #StrongerTogether #mindset. pic.twitter.com/8zfDpcBqD8
— Yohan Blake (@YohanBlake) February 28, 2021Positive energy with love and respect. #Loveyourself #StrongerTogether #mindset. pic.twitter.com/8zfDpcBqD8
— Yohan Blake (@YohanBlake) February 28, 2021
" class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data=""Follow your mind, don't follow the crowd," the two-time Olympic gold medalist said in a video posted to Twitter on Saturday.
"At the same time, be respectful to each and every one. Don't let no one take away your choice," Blake, a one-time rival of Jamaican great Usain Bolt, added.
In life, you are what you think you are, not what people think you are. Don't follow the crowd. Have a mind of your own. Love and value yourself!
— Yohan Blake (@YohanBlake) February 27, 2021
">In life, you are what you think you are, not what people think you are. Don't follow the crowd. Have a mind of your own. Love and value yourself!
— Yohan Blake (@YohanBlake) February 27, 2021
In life, you are what you think you are, not what people think you are. Don't follow the crowd. Have a mind of your own. Love and value yourself!
— Yohan Blake (@YohanBlake) February 27, 2021
