Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has named compatriot Oblique Seville as the sprinter most likely to shatter his long-standing 100m world record.
Despite Seville’s occasional inconsistency, Bolt believes that with the right preparation, the 24-year-old has what it takes to rewrite history.
Bolt’s 9.58-second world record, set at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin, has remained unbeaten for over a decade.
Despite Yohan Blake and Tyson Gay clocking 9.69 seconds in 2009 and 2012, respectively, no sprinter has surpassed Bolt’s record.
Despite the rise of stars like Noah Lyles, Kishane Thompson, and Fred Kerley, Bolt believes Seville is the one to watch.
Speaking on The Fix Podcast, Bolt shared his confidence in Seville’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. There is something there, the ability to do it,” he said .
The eight-time Olympic champion acknowledged that Seville’s biggest challenge lies in maintaining consistency.
“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 just a matter of time because he hasn’t missed the finals yet, so it’s just about getting over the hump,” Bolt added.
Oblique Seville gained recognition after finishing third in Jamaica’s 2020 Olympic Trials, cementing his status as a rising sprinting star.
“He’s the master, and he just needs to find the right season, stay clean, and do the right thing. If the coach believes in him, it’s just about putting it all together,” Bolt explained.
Despite placing last in the 100m final at the 2024 Olympics, Seville has since made significant strides. His recent victory over Noah Lyles at the Racers Grand Prix in Jamaica, where he clocked an impressive 9.82 seconds, showcased his growing potential.
Training under renowned coach Glen Mills, who shaped Bolt’s career, Seville continues to refine his technique and enhance his sprinting abilities.
Seville will take his next shot at glory on April 4 at Kingston’s inaugural Grand Slam Track Meet.
Four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson’s event will feature elite sprinters like Gabby Thomas, Dina Asher-Smith, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and Quincy Hall.
Jamaica will also be represented by Ackeem Blake, who will compete in the men’s 100m alongside Seville. The two will go head-to-head with Olympic 200m silver medalist Kenny Bednarek, making for a highly competitive race.