Heir to Usain Bolt? Jamaican sprint legend reveals record-breaking threat ahead of Grand Slam Track

Jamaica's Oblique Seville (R) clocked in last at the Paris Olympics 100m final with the likes of Noah Lyles (L) claiming the luarels.

Heir to Usain Bolt? Jamaican sprint legend reveals record-breaking threat ahead of Grand Slam Track

Stephen Awino 07:13 - 04.04.2025

Usain Bolt has shed light on the sprinter he believes will likely shatter his 100m record.

Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has identified a potential heir to his long-standing 100m world record.

This is none other than his fellow countryman, Oblique Seville

Bolt, who set the still-unbroken 9.58-second mark in 2009, believes that Seville has the talent and tools needed to challenge what many consider an unassailable record.

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While the sprinting world buzzes with contenders like Olympic silver medalist Kishane Thompson and reigning Olympic champion Noah Lyles, Bolt has placed his faith in the relatively shorter but explosive Seville.

Speaking on The Fix Podcast, as quoted by Talk Sport, Bolt shared his thoughts on the 23-year-old’s potential.

“I feel like Oblique can do it. 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," said Bolt.

Bolt admitted that Seville’s tendency toward inconsistency could be a stumbling block, but he believes that with the right mindset and preparation, the breakthrough is within reach.

“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,” Bolt added.

Seville is currently under the guidance of Glen Mills, the revered coach who steered Bolt to international stardom.

That mentorship, paired with Seville’s raw speed, makes for a compelling formula

Seville who finished last in the 100m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics has received Bolt's backing to bounce back.

"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," Bolt said, suggesting the breakthrough could be closer than many expect.

With the Jamaican leg of the Grand Slam Track series set to begin on Friday, April 4, all eyes will be on Seville to see if he can take another step toward rewriting history.