They once thrilled spectators in different stadia, but on Monday, speed met skill on the lawns of King’s House as Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake and former Reggae Boyz footballer Ricardo “Bibi” Gardner received national honours for their years of excellence and discipline in their respective sports.

Both men, decorated veterans of international competition, were among scores recognised during the 2025 Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards held on National Heroes Day. Blake was vested with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) for his contribution to athletics and philanthropy, while Gardner received the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD) for his service to football.

For Blake, the recognition was deeply appreciated.

“It’s been a while coming. I know you have been watching me for over the years,” he said with a smile.

“I’ve been working, I’ve been giving back and to be finally recognised by Jamaica, it’s a wonderful feeling… I’m really happy,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Blake, who was nicknamed “The Beast” at the height of his career for his fierce competitiveness and global success, has long balanced that intensity with a quiet commitment to charity and youth mentorship. Yet, he made it clear that this award does not mark the end of his journey.

“It’s a part of the icing on the cake for me because I am not finished. I have a lot of things coming, so I guess I have a lot more awards to get,” he said confidently.

Although the 34-year-old sprinter has slowed his professional pace, he revealed he has not officially retired and continues to explore new directions — including developing his athletics academy and partnerships abroad.

“I’m not training right now, but I’m going, now and then, but I’m just looking at different avenues, so the spikes are still clean [but] definitely I’m looking to go to China with my academy team there; but for now, I’m just focusing on that so that’s a big step for me,” said Blake.

Reflecting on his journey in athletics over the years, Blake offered a message of perseverance and sacrifice to aspiring athletes looking to make a similar or even bigger impact on the global stage.

“To get in track and field is not an easy feat.. I had to be disciplined over and over for the past 10 years. I can count on my two fingers the amount of parties I’ve been to because, to achieve the title of being the second-fastest man on the planet was not an easy feat. So all I’m saying is, just lock in, know what you want and go pursue it,” he said.

Gardner, too, expressed gratitude for the national honour, saying that it was both a humbling and affirming experience, serving as a testament to his years of dedication to Jamaican football.

“To be recognised by your country is an unbelievable achievement and one that I will cherish for a lifetime. It’s years worth of hard work, years worth of sacrifice… staying committed to the cause, never giving up and always representing the nation at the highest level, whether on or off the field,” he said.

Gardner, a former national captain and 1998 World Cup player, said the honour reminded him of the importance of unity and faith in football.

“We’ll have to go out there and perform at our best,” he said, when asked about Jamaica’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

“I think that we have the players who can do that… we just have to encourage them and support them and continue to pray for them because all the time, God is in control.”

The 46-year-old, who spent more than a decade playing in the English Premier League, now mentors young players and is completing a FIFA coaching course to better contribute to football.

Looking to the future, Gardner emphasised collective responsibility in improving the sport locally.

“We all have a part to play. It’s everyone coming together and pulling in the right direction. It’s not only the players, it’s not only the administration, but us as supporters as well… so it’s every aspect of it, to be honest — the referee committee — everyone coming together and pulling in the right direction and just trying to improve the sport little by little, and gradually everything will improve and come together. So it’s not pointing the finger on any one person, it’s a collective movement,” said Gardner.

Jamaica and West Indies cricketer Rovman Powell was also awarded on Monday, receiving the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer for his service in the field of sport, in particular cricket.

Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake (left) is congratulated by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness after being vested with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander at King’s House on Monday. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Former Reggae Boyz footballer Ricardo “Bibi” Gardner displays the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer he received on Monday at King’s House. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Jamaica and West Indies cricketer Rovman Powell poses with the Order of Distinction he received on Monday for his service in the field of sport, in particular, cricket. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)