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Usain Bolt’s father, Wellesley, has passed away at 68.
The father of the Olympic 100m gold medalist died after a prolonged illness at a medical facility in Kingston, Jamaica, just hours after being transferred from his home.
According to the Jamaican Observer, Usain Bolt’s father, Wellesley, passed away on March 31, 2025.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and their three children: the eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain, Sadiki, and Christine Bolt-Hylton.
Leon Jackson, a longtime acquaintance from the Sherwood Content community, shared with the publication: “He had been ill for some time… he had a stroke, and I don’t think he ever fully recovered from it. He used to play cricket in his younger years, and I believe he became a big fan of track and field after Bolt began rising in the sport.”
Usain Bolt has not yet publicly commented on his father’s passing, but he has frequently acknowledged the significant role Wellesley played in his success.
In a past interview with Wayne Marshall, Usain revealed that his first passion was cricket, as his father was a “massive cricket fan.”
It was during middle school that Usain’s talent for sprinting began to emerge, and he credited his father for helping guide him in the “right way.”
Usain recalled: “The coach started complaining to my father, saying, ‘(Usain isn’t coming to training)… because I’m going to cricket.’ After a while, my father came to me and explained that running is the right path, as there was too much politics in cricket.”
He added: “After grade 7, my father said, ‘No, no, no. You have to focus. You’re really good at sprinting, so stick with that.’”
While Usain gained global recognition for his extraordinary talent, his father was always there, supporting him every step of the way.
As fans will remember, Usain is an eight-time Olympic gold medalist and holds world records in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4 × 100 meters relay.
Following the news of Wellesley Bolt’s passing, tributes flooded in from across the globe.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, shared a heartfelt tribute on X, writing: *”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.
“Mr. Bolt was the father of a global icon, and a quiet yet powerful force behind one of Jamaica’s greatest sons. His presence, support, and guidance helped 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 honor the memory of your father alongside you.”*
