There’s something about March in Jamaica. It’s when young sprinters step onto the track, chasing dreams that could one day become Olympic glory. And if you know track and field history, you’ll remember a certain teenager from William Knibb Memorial who did that! Back in March 2003, a tall lad with an infectious smile lit up the National Stadium, running a mind-blowing 20.25 seconds in the 200m and 45.34 in the 400m—a record for a 16-year-old! His name? Usain Bolt. He was untouchable then, and years later, he would become the fastest man alive. But what if, 22 years later, another young sprinter from the same school just did something special, and that too with plenty going on in his life!

Well, Sanjay Seymore, who lost his father just months before Champs, became the second athlete from William Knibb Memorial to win gold in the Class One 200m. And he did it with a heart full of emotion. As the gun went off. He exploded out of the blocks, his powerful strides eating up the track. The early stages saw Calabar’s Junior Gallimore pushing hard on his inside while Kingston College’s Markel Smith also kept pace. But Seymore had rehearsed this moment in his head over and over. He drove through the bend, staying low, controlling his speed. By the time they hit the straight, he found another gear.

Gallimore tried to close the gap. Smith dug deep. But Seymore, running with something deeper than just competition, kept pulling away. The clock stopped at 21.27 seconds (-2.6 m/s), not the fastest time of his career, but under those heavy wind conditions, it was enough. Lane 7. The same lane where Usain Bolt made history. And now, two decades later, Sanjay Seymore had his moment in it. He crossed the line, arms raised, and must have had a single thought on his mind: ‘Pops, I did it.’ Gallimore followed in 21.42 seconds, with Smith taking third in 21.54 seconds. The moment was bigger than the time. Bigger than the gold medal. It was a tribute. The second he stopped, Seymore lifted his jersey, revealing an undershirt with bold, simple words: “This is for you, Pops.”

In the weeks leading up to Champs, Sanjay Seymore spoke to Jamaica Star about what was driving him. His voice was steady, but the emotion was clear. “Last year in December, my father died, so it really motivates me and pushes me every day to strive to be the best version of myself,” he said. “He would always push me to do my best, so losing him fuels me to want to be the best when I get on the track.”

Well, his dad must be proud of everything he’s done. To be in the same bracket as Usain Bolt is special in itself. And guess what? Bolt took notice of Seymore’s win right after donating to his former school.

Usain Bolt takes notice of Seymore and other athletes amidst multi-million dollar donation to his former school

Usain Bolt had plenty on his plate, making a multi-million-dollar donation to his alma mater, William Knibb Memorial High. Just days before the Champs, Bolt donated 2 million dollars to his former school. The donation, confirmed by Principal Linvern Wright, will cover housing, food, and transportation for over 50 athletes, which is a major boost for a program that continues to develop Jamaica’s next sprint stars. Wright recalled the sprinter’s words and dedication towards school: “No matter what is happening or what you hear about me, I’m still committed to my school.”

Yet, even amidst his generosity, he found time to acknowledge something special happening on the track. Usain Bolt took notice of the ISSA GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships. First, Usain Bernard stunned everyone by winning the Class Two 200m final in 21.82 seconds (-2.4 m/s), pulling off a massive upset. Moments later, Sanjay Seymore stormed to the Class One 200m title from Lane 7, the same lane where Bolt himself broke the world record.

Social media erupted. One post captured the poetic moment perfectly: “Someone named Usain, clearly named after Bolt, wins a 200m final, and then right after, a kid from Bolt’s school (William Knibb) wins the next 200m final—the first from that school since Bolt. I hope Bolt was watching. If he was, he’ll be grinning into next week!” Bolt saw it. He shared it. Then came another post—this time about Seymore’s journey: “Seymore said running from lane 7 motivated him because @usainbolt broke the 200m record from lane 7! He dedicated his victory to his dad who passed away and who would always come and support him at the track meets.” Bolt reshared that, too!