Usain Bolt backs 23-year-old sprint sensation to smash his record and take over sport
The 100m world record of 9.58 seconds set by Usain Bolt in 2009 has stood the test of time, but the Jamaican icon believes there is one young sprinter capable of finally breaking it
Usain Bolt has named Oblique Seville as the athlete he believes can finally smash his phenomenal 100 metres world record.
The retired Jamaican sprint legend has held the record of an electrifyingly fast 9.58 seconds since the 2009 World Championships. While others have come close, with Yohan Blake and Tyson Gay running excellent times of 9.69 seconds in 2009 and 2012 respectively, none have surpassed eight-time Olympic gold medallist Bolt.
Despite the emergence of Olympic champion Noah Lyles, Kishane Thompson and Fred Kerley, none of those three supremo sprinters were named by Bolt when he discussed who he thinks can break his long-standing record.
Even Australian sensation Gout Gout – who has shattered a number of Bolt’s teenage records – and 15-year-old Brit Divine Iheme, weren't mentioned by Bolt, who instead name-checked 23-year-old compatriot Seville as the next to rule as king of the sprint.
"I feel like Oblique can do it," said Bolt on The Fix Podcast. "If he can stay fit during the season and get it right, I feel he can do it, because I am sure there is something there, the ability to do it."
Bolt added the caveat that Seville's fragility might be a hurdle in him breaking his record. However, the sprinting legend admitted it could be time for a new record-holder.
He explained: "Some of the time Oblique can be fragile. It’s a matter of the work situation or whatever, but if he’s doing enough work, he can do it. It’s a matter of time because he’s not missed the finals yet, so it’s just to get over the hump."
Seville has been making waves in the athletics world in recent years. Following his impressive performance at Jamaica's 2020 Olympic Trials, where he claimed third place, he has been touted as one of Jamaica's most promising athletes. And Bolt offered his advice on exactly what the youngster needs to do to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
"He’s the master and he just needs to find the right season, stay clean and do the right thing, and if the coach believes him and the coach says. It’s just that he needs to put it all together," the 38-year-old said.
While Seville finished last in the 2024 Olympic 100m final, the experience has clearly served him well, as evidenced by his recent victory over Lyles in the Racers Grand Prix in Jamaica, where he achieved an impressive time of 9.82sec. He also trains under iconic coach Glen Mills, who worked with Bolt during his historic track career.