When the world’s fastest man speaks, the athletics community listens. Usain Bolt, the eight-time Olympic champion and holder of the 100m world record, has offered a strong vote of confidence in Jamaica’s new generation of sprinters ahead of the Tokyo Games. Bolt believes Kishane Thompson, Oblique Seville, and Ackeem Blake have what it takes to deliver gold for Jamaica in the men’s 100m — and possibly bring back the glory days of Jamaican sprint dominance.
Bolt, who electrified the world with his legendary triple-triple between Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016, admitted that watching Jamaica’s men fail to medal in the 100m at recent global championships was a strange sight. But the sprint icon insists the future is bright. “These guys are talented, hungry, and ready to write their own story,” Bolt said in a recent interview. “I see the fire in Kishane, Oblique, and Ackeem — it reminds me of myself when I was coming up.”
Kishane Thompson, who has dazzled fans this season with his blistering starts and smooth transition phase, is seen by many as Jamaica’s best hope for gold. Bolt highlighted Thompson’s calm demeanor and ability to execute under pressure. “Kishane has the temperament of a champion,” Bolt said. “He doesn’t get rattled by the big stage. That’s what you need if you want to win Olympic gold.”
Oblique Seville, meanwhile, has been Jamaica’s most consistent performer over the last few seasons. His ability to peak at the right moment has impressed Bolt, who called him a “championship runner.” Seville finished fourth at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships, agonizingly close to the podium, but Bolt believes this is the year he steps up. “Oblique has been knocking on the door for too long,” Bolt noted. “This is the moment where he breaks through. If he gets his start right, he’s dangerous.”
Ackeem Blake, known for his raw speed and powerful finish, rounds out Jamaica’s exciting trio. Bolt praised Blake’s work ethic and explosive potential. “Ackeem reminds me of Yohan Blake in his early years — strong, fearless, and always attacking the last 40 meters,” Bolt said. “If he stays focused, he can surprise a lot of people in Tokyo.”
Bolt also pointed to the healthy rivalry between the three athletes as a crucial factor in their growth. Training and racing against each other on the Diamond League circuit has pushed them to raise their standards. “Competition brings out the best in you,” Bolt explained. “When you have three guys pushing each other every week, someone is going to run fast when it matters most.”
With American Noah Lyles and Kenyan star Ferdinand Omanyala also eyeing gold, the Tokyo 100m final promises fireworks. But Bolt’s confidence in his countrymen is unshakable. “We’ve done it before, we can do it again,” he said. “These boys have the talent to bring Jamaica back to the top.”
If Bolt’s prediction comes true, Tokyo could mark the dawn of a new golden era for Jamaican sprinting — led by Thompson, Seville, and Blake.
Be the first to comment