Usain Bolt’s father, Wellesley Bolt, passes away after prolonged illness

Usain Bolt’s father, Wellesley Bolt, passes away after prolonged illness

Abigael Wafula 06:00 - 01.04.2025

Wellesley Bolt, father of Usain Bolt, has passed away at 68 after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of humility and support for his son’s athletic career.

Eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt and his family are in mourning following the passing of his father, Wellesley Bolt on Monday, March 31.

According to the Jamaica Observer, Wellesley Bolt passed away after a prolonged illness, however, the specific cause was not disclosed.

Wellesley Bolt was a humble and well-respected man in the community of Sherwood Content in Trelawny.

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Despite being the father of Usain Bolt, one of the greatest athletes of all time, Wellesley Bolt lived a simple life until his passing. He was a businessman who operated a small grocery shop.

Wellesley Bolt supporting Usain

Wellesley Bolt supporting Usain
Wellesley Bolt supporting Usain

In a series of interviews, Usain Bolt opened up about how his father played a significant role in his success as a track and field athlete.

Usain Bolt’s first love was cricket and he admitted that he was never interested in running but his father ignited that fire in him, to become one of the greatest.

He started his journey as a sprinter at a very young age before moving to Williams Knibb High School, where his talent was further nurtured.

"One day, my dad came and told me, ‘Focus on track and field because there are a lot of politics in cricket.’ It is true because I have watched it and understood it for years, and that is how I stuck to track and field,” Usain Bolt admitted in a past interview.

Wellesley and Jennifer Bolt, Usain Bolt’s mother walked with him along the way. His father always went to support him and was a notable cheerer at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, where Usain won his first Olympic gold in the 100m.

However, Wellesley Bolt never liked life in the limelight and he managed to maintain a low profile throughout Usain Bolt’s successful career. Usain, Sadiki, and Christine Bolt-Hylton are among the children Wellesley Bolt leaves behind.

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