Oblique Seville’s return to Jamaica was nothing short of triumphant, as he touched down with the country’s only gold medal from the Tokyo World Athletics Championships. The 23-year-old sprinter became the first Jamaican man to win a World Championship 100m title since Usain Bolt’s last triumph in 2015, a historic victory that has reignited hope for the future of Jamaica’s sprinting dominance.
Seville’s golden performance in Tokyo, where he clocked a new personal best of 9.77 seconds, was not just a personal achievement but also a monumental moment for Jamaican athletics. The victory saw Seville edge out fellow countryman Kishane Thompson, who finished second in a thrilling Jamaican quinella. Seville’s achievement has been hailed as the dawn of a new era for Jamaican sprinting, one that looks poised to continue the legacy of Bolt and Yohan Blake.
Upon arriving at Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport, Seville was greeted by family, fans, and officials, all eager to celebrate his historic achievement. “It’s a great feeling knowing that we broke that curse and to start the new era of Jamaican sprinting,” Seville shared with reporters. This sentiment reflects his recognition of the importance of his victory, not only for himself but also for the future of sprinting in Jamaica.
Although Seville had previously expressed a desire for more respect after his victory, he later reflected on the journey ahead with a more grounded approach. “The respect was always there, it’s just for me to always go out there and put out my best performance,” he remarked, acknowledging that his hunger for excellence will remain a driving force in his career.
Seville’s journey to the top has been years in the making. From a young age, he had dreams of being coached by Glen Mills, the legendary coach who guided Usain Bolt to greatness. At just 10 years old, he expressed his desire to join the Racers Track Club, and with hard work and determination, his dream became a reality. The culmination of his efforts came last week when he claimed the ultimate prize on the world stage.
What made Seville’s victory even more special was the presence of Usain Bolt in the stadium, cheering him on as the young sprinter surged past Thompson in the final meters. Bolt’s visible excitement and support symbolized the passing of the torch, as Seville stepped into the spotlight as Jamaica’s new sprinting star.
