Jamaican sprint sensation Oblique Seville has opened up about the one misconception that has followed him throughout his career, revealing how his World Championships triumph in Tokyo finally silenced his critics.
Seville, 24, stormed to victory in the men’s 100m final in Tokyo, capturing Jamaica’s first world title in the event since Usain Bolt’s reign more than a decade ago. In a perfectly executed race, he clocked a personal best of 9.77 seconds, matching Bolt’s 2013 championship time and setting a new Japanese all-comers’ record. Compatriot Kishane Thompson claimed silver in 9.82, while American defending champion Noah Lyles took bronze in 9.89.
Reflecting on his journey, Seville admitted that many fans had wrongly assumed he crumbled under pressure after a series of near misses. “When people say I have a mental problem, I feel so bad. It’s like being wrongfully charged,” he said. “I had to prove that I don’t struggle mentally—I’ve just been unlucky with injuries.”
Seville’s victory marked redemption after finishing last in the Olympic final and narrowly missing the podium at two previous World Championships. “I decided I wasn’t going to settle for just a medal. I was going for gold,” he said.
Born in Ness Castle, St Thomas, Seville’s love for sprinting began in childhood. He fondly recalls leading a school race before stopping early, mistaking the 70m hurdles mark for the finish line. His talent later flourished at Holmwood Technical and Calabar High School, where he trained alongside Jamaica’s top young sprinters.
Joining Glenn Mills’ Racers Track Club in 2020 revitalized his career. Under Mills’ mentorship—the same coach who guided Bolt and Yohan Blake—Seville broke the 10-second barrier in 2022 with a time of 9.86, a moment he ranks alongside his Tokyo triumph.
Although his individual gold reaffirmed Jamaica’s dominance in sprinting, Seville expressed disappointment that the men’s 4x100m relay team, which included his cousin Ackeem Blake, did not win. “We had the talent, but not enough time to build chemistry. We’ll get it right soon,” he said.
Seville now turns his attention to the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, determined to build on his Tokyo success and further cement his place among Jamaica’s sprinting greats.
