Wellesley Bolt, father of Olympic sprinting icon Usain Bolt, was laid to rest in his hometown over the weekend. He died at age 68 following a prolonged illness.
Wellesley, born in 1957, worked for 16 years with the Jamaican Coffee Board before operating a family grocery shop in Sherwood Content alongside his wife, Jennifer. He is remembered as a devoted father who played a crucial role in guiding Usain’s transition from cricket to sprinting, ultimately supporting him through his historic athletic career.
A familiar presence at international competitions, Wellesley was often seen cheering for his son from the stands, including during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He converted to Christianity in 2018, fulfilling a longstanding wish of his wife.
He is survived by his wife and three children: Usain, Sadiki, and Christine.
