- Usain Bolt’s father Wellesley Bolt died on Monday according to reports from Jamaica.
- Wellesley died at the age of 68 due to an unspecified illness.
- Messages of condolences have started to flood in, including from Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
Usain Bolt’s dad, Wellesley Bolt, died on Monday in Jamaica after battling a long illness according to reliable reports.
Wellesley, who played a huge role in Bolt’s remarkable career that saw the Jamaican sprinter win more than five Olympic Games gold medals, died at the age of 68.
Bolt once revealed in an interview that his father’s advice helped him to continue running at a time when he almost ditched sprinting for cricket.
“The coach started complaining to my father that I was not coming to training. But after a while, my father sat me down and said: “Running is what you have to do, there is too much politics in cricket,” he stated then.
The deceased, who was adored by the locals, lived a quiet life in Jamaica and ran a shop in Trelawny up to 2017.
Wellesley was also there to support Bolt in major international events including the 2012 London Olympic Games where the current 100m world record holder won multiple medals.
Messages of condolences to Usain Bolt’s family
Tributes continue to flood in as the world mourns the loss of a man who nurtured one of the best sports persons in history.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has condoled with the Bolt family, describing the late Wellesley as a global icon.
“I join with every Jamaican in extending my deepest and most sincere condolences to Usain Bolt, his beloved mother Mrs. Jennifer Bolt, and the entire Bolt family, following the passing of their patriarch, Mr. Wellesley Bolt.
Mr. Bolt was the father of a global icon, and a strong, quiet force behind one of Jamaica’s greatest sons. His presence, support and guidance helped to shape a legacy that continues to inspire the world,” read part of the statement he shared on X formerly Twitter.
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Holness further assured Bolt that Jamaican’s will be there for him and his family during this difficult time.
“Usain, we have all witnessed the deep love and respect you’ve always shown for your family. You celebrated them with pride, and in doing so, you reminded us of the importance of family in our own lives.
As you grieve this great loss, the prayers and support of an entire nation are with you. We mourn with you, we stand with you, and we honour the memory of your father alongside you,” ended the 52-year-old.
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