Usain Bolt’s dad dies aged 68 drawing response from Jamaican prime minister | Other | Sport

Wellesley Bolt, the father of Usain Bolt, has died at the age of 68 following a lengthy period of illness. He was an influential figure in Bolt’s journey to winning eight Olympic gold medals and was spotted at many events in support of his son. His death has been met with plenty of tributes in Jamaica, even drawing a response from the country’s prime minister.

It was reported by the Jamaica Observer that Wellesley died on Monday after losing his battle with a prolonged illness. He maintained a relatively low profile throughout his son’s career but was a constant presence behind the scenes, providing the foundations upon which the sprint icon built his legendary success.

The elder Bolt was a respected figure in the small community of Sherwood Content in Trelawny on the northern coast of Jamaica, where he ran a grocery shop until 2017. He leaves behind his children Usain, Sadiki and Christine Bolt-Hylton.

Tributes have been pouring in following the news of his death, with Jamaica’s prime minister Andrew Holness offering condolences to the Bolt family on social media.

On X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: « 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. »

Olivia Grange, a member of parliament in Jamaica, added: « I offer my sincerest condolences to Jennifer, Usain, and the rest of the Bolt family. It is going to be a difficult time, but I encourage them to be comforted by the memory of a very good father. »

Wellesley was often spotted cheering for Bolt at major events, but was not in Berlin to watch his son’s record-breaking run over 100 metres at the World Athletics Championships in 2009. He was never interested in fame, mostly preferring to stay out of sight.

Bolt previously revealed that it was his father who convinced him to stop playing cricket and take up sprinting on a full-time basis.

He recalled: « The coach started complaining to my father that I wasn’t coming to training. But after a while, my father sat me down and said: ‘Running is what you have to do. There’s too much politics in cricket’. »