“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. ’ He watched the game, he understood how things worked,” 0nce said Usain Bolt. Wellesley Bolt wasn’t just Usain Bolt’s father, but he was the quiet force behind the fastest man on earth. When a young Usain dreamed of cricket, it was Wellesley who nudged him toward the track. But now, the man who shaped the fastest sprinter in history is gone. And for Usain, for Jamaica, for track and field—the loss is immeasurable!

Wellesley Bolt, the father, has passed away at the age of 68. According to the Jamaica Gleaner, he passed away on March 31 at a medical facility in the Corporate Area. Residents of Sherwood Content, Trelawny, where the Bolt family lives, confirmed that he was taken to the hospital the day before. A pillar of his community, Wellesley was known for running a small grocery shop, a place where locals gathered and where Usain’s dreams first took shape. While the world watched Usain break records, Wellesley and his wife, Jennifer, were always in the stands, quietly cheering. The Bolt family isn’t just Usain. Wellesley was a father to three—Usain, Sherine, and Sadiki.

While we haven’t heard from Usain Bolt directly following his father’s passing, condolences have been pouring in from prominent figures across Jamaica.  Prime Minister Andrew Holness was quick to express his sympathies on social media: “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 X

The Prime Minister of Jamaica,  Andrew Holness, acknowledged Wellesley’s crucial role in Usain’s success: “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.”

Sport Minister Olivia Grange also shared heartfelt words: “Wellesley and his wife, Jennifer, were the picture of a loving and supportive family who were always there for their son, Usain. They were Usain’s chief motivators, chief cheerleaders, and a constant source of support and stability,” Grange said in a statement on 31 March. She offered words of comfort to the family: “It is going to be a difficult time, but I encourage them to be comforted by the memory of a very good father.”

Beyond public figures, the entire track and field community has mourned the loss of Wellesley Bolt. Tributes from fans and supporters continue to flood platforms.

The track and field community mourns the loss of Usain Bolt’s father

The sports world and fans alike are united in mourning the loss of Wellesley Bolt, the father of legendary sprinter Usain Bolt, who passed away at the age of 68. One fan shared, “RIP Wellesley Bolt. Champion Father.” The heartfelt message reflects the admiration many have for Wellesley, not only for his role in shaping Usain’s career but also for his dedication as a father.

Another fan, deeply moved, commented, “Sad news that @usainbolt’s father Wellesley Bolt has passed away at 68. Losing a father is never easy, I’ve lost my father years ago, and many moments throughout my life he is missed.” This personal reflection struck a chord that resonated with those who have experienced similar losses. One tribute expressed, “Sincerest condolences to the Bolt family on the passing of Wellesley Bolt, father of Usain Bolt. May his memory continue to be a blessing.” This highlighted how Wellesley’s legacy will live on through his family, especially his son, Usain.

“Condolences to Usain, his mother, and the rest of his family on the passing of his father. Mr. Bolt RIP,” another fan wrote, which emphasized the tight-knit bond within the Bolt family. Fans from all over the globe are sending their support, with one saying, “Joining you and also sending my condolences to Usain Bolt @usainbolt and his family, in the loss of his dad. May his soul rest in peace.”