Wellesley Bolt, the father of legendary Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, has died at the age of 68 following a lengthy battle with illness, with tributes pouring in worldwide
Usain Bolt's father, Wellesley Bolt, has passed away at the age of 68.
He played a pivotal role in his son's journey to Olympic stardom, often seen cheering on the eight-time gold medalist at various events.
And his passing has been received with an outpour of condolences across Jamaica, with the nation's leader even offering tribute.
Taking to X, Prime Minister Andrew Holness 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," reports the Express.
According to the Jamaica Observer, Wellesley passed away on Monday after a battle with an extended illness.
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Despite keeping a modest profile during Usain's athletic tenure, Wellesley was a steady source of support behind the scenes - helping to lay the groundwork for the track superstar’s remarkable career.
In Sherwood Content, Trelawny, the community greatly respected the senior Bolt, who was known there for operating a quaint grocery store until 2017.
Left to cherish his memory are his children Usain, Sadiki, and Christine Bolt-Hylton.
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."
Olympic legend Bolt previously revealed that if it wasn't for his dad, he may never have quit cricket to pursue a career in athletics.
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'."
