Wellesley Bolt, the father of Jamaican track icon Usain Bolt, has died.
According to the Jamaica Observer, he passed away on Monday after a lengthy illness. He was 68 years old.
A devoted father, Wellesley was often seen alongside his wife, Jennifer, in the stands as they cheered on their son during his rise to global stardom. He played a vital role in Usain’s early life and was a constant source of encouragement.
The Bolt family hails from Sherwood Content in Trelawny, where Wellesley operated a grocery shop and was an active member of the community. In addition to Usain, Wellesley had two other children, Sherine and Sadiki, also known as Sada Bolt.
In a recent interview on Wayne Marshall’s “The Cut,” Usain explained that he was the middle child, only a few months older than his younger brother. He explained that even though Sada’s mother didn’t live in Trelawny when he was younger, he would regularly visit Wellesley and the Bolt family during the summertime as a child.
Usain also spoke about his father’s love of cricket, which also drew him to the sport as a child. He said televised cricket matches were a bonding activity for him and his father.
Usain eventually took an interest in track and field upon entry to William Knibb Memorial High School. He said while he was good at track, cricket was still his passion. It was his father who urged him to take track and field more seriously.
”The coach start complain to my father say me nah come training. But after a while, my father come and explain to me that is running I have to do cause too much politics inna cricket. Him watch the game so him know and understand how things run,” he said. Usain said his father also always encouraged him to focus on his education.
In 2018, Wellesley was baptized, fulfilling a long-held wish of Jennifer, who had expressed joy in his embrace of Christianity.
Prime Minister Holness sends condolences to the Bolt family
Prime Minister Andrew Holness was among scores of public figures who sent condolences to Usain and the entire Bolt family, following the news.
“I join with every Jamaican in extending my deepest and most sincere condolences to @usainbolt, his beloved mother Mrs. Jennifer Bolt, and the entire Bolt family, following the passing of their patriarch, Mr. Wellesley Bolt,” he wrote on social media.
“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. Usain, we have all witnessed the deep love and respect you’ve always shown for your family. You celebrated them with pride, and in doing so, you reminded us of the importance of family in our own lives. As you grieve this great loss, the prayers and support of an entire nation are with you. We mourn with you, we stand with you, and we honour the memory of your father alongside you.”
His passing is a significant loss to his family and the wider community.
