🔗 Share this article

On Sunday evening, Oblique Seville achieved a milestone by becoming the first athlete from Jamaica to claim the 100-meter dash world title since the iconic Usain Bolt. But, it appears his thinking is just as sharp as his blistering speed on the running surface.

Designing the Ideal Sprinter

When asked about how he would build the ultimate sprinter, the champion did not hesitate. Rather than naming qualities from various runners, his reply was swift and unmistakable: “Bolt.”

“No one has ever matched a runner such as him,” stated Seville. “However I would take his final part of the sprint and my start. That way you would have the flawless sprinter.”

Differing Opinions on Current Talent

However, Seville does not share his hero’s perspective on one important topic. Recently, the retired champion stated that the current generation of sprinters does not possess the ability to achieve the 100m in 9.6 seconds.

Seville, who ran a personal best of 9.77 seconds, had a different opinion.

“I believe it’s just a question of when before an athlete runs 9.6 seconds,” he commented. “I don’t think we are distant in this era. It just takes time. Since it’s important to remember it was the identical back then.

“No one was running 9.6 before Usain Bolt made history in Beijing. So it’s on us now, as a rising generation, to meet that level. To show that we can do the exact thing as Usain did.”

Different Backgrounds, Shared Mentor

Both island-born athletes are vastly more different in build. Bolt measured over 195cm and weighed around 14 stone, while Seville is 5ft 6in and only 11st 6lb.

The new champion additionally spoke about his beliefs, noting he prepares for races by reading the Bible, which gives him “a lot of peace of mind.” The former titleholder, by contrast, had a completely alternative approach.

Yet both men share the identical trainer: Glen Mills. It was, Mills always believed that his protégé could emulate Bolt and become the quickest man on Earth.

“I knew I was quick when I was six,” said Seville. “I competed against kids larger than me and I was very competitive. Thus I showed it at a young age.

“After I began training under my coach, he said it would require a few years to make it to the podium. And whatever he says comes true. His words came true for me and here I am as a gold medallist.”

Psychological Toughness and Determination

After Bolt retired in 2017, the crown of global fastest man has changed hands multiple times. Today, Seville aims to hold onto it.

But, he acknowledges that staying at the top is not easy.

“I possess the mentality. But setbacks are inevitable in the sport,” Seville explained. “Plus because of my height and build, I cannot make even one mistake. I have to ensure everything I do is on point.”

This identical mental strength allowed him ignore mind games from competitors before the championship race.

“It doesn’t bother me,” he said. “Because over the years, I understood that Lyles is going to be himself. So he’s will talk.

“I respect that. It adds excitement for the sport. Perhaps it work on other athletes, but not me. I came to the global event for one goal: to win the gold.”

And, he succeeded.