The track and field world is in mourning following the passing of Wellesley Bolt, father of Olympic legend Usain Bolt, after a long illness. The 68-year-old patriarch, who played a pivotal role in shaping his son’s historic career, died on Monday, leaving behind his wife Jennifer and children Usain, Sadiki, and Christine Bolt-Hylton.
Wellesley, a humble grocery store owner from the rural community of Sherwood Content, was the steady foundation behind his son’s rise to global stardom. Despite Usain’s eight Olympic gold medals and worldwide fame, Wellesley chose to remain in his hometown, even as his son’s success brought infrastructure improvements to their once-underserved village.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness led tributes, praising Wellesley as “a strong, quiet force behind one of Jamaica’s greatest sons.” Politician Olivia Grange also offered condolences, acknowledging the Bolt family’s loss.
Usain, known for frequently celebrating victories with his parents, has yet to make a public statement. The sprint icon often credited his father’s work ethic and support as instrumental to his success, from his early days running on dirt roads to becoming the fastest man in history.
