Jamaica and the world of athletics are mourning the loss of Wellesley Bolt, the father of sprinting legend Usain Bolt, who has passed away after a prolonged illness at the age of 68.
Often described as the “quiet force” behind the fastest man in history, Wellesley was a pillar of strength and support for his son throughout his record-breaking career. Alongside his wife, Jennifer Bolt, he was a constant presence in the stands, watching their son etch his name into Olympic history.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed his condolences in an emotional message:
“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.”
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 strong,… pic.twitter.com/LmjTjXZfXV
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) April 1, 2025A humble man, Wellesley wasn’t there in person to witness Usain’s first Olympic triumph in Beijing 2008, choosing to watch from home due to his dislike of flying. However, after being convinced to travel for the 200m final, he heartbreakingly missed the race while in the air—only to land and discover his son had secured his second Olympic gold. From that moment on, he never missed another of Usain’s races.
Before his son became a global superstar, Wellesley worked in the coffee industry for 16 years before running a small grocery store with Jennifer in their rural hometown of Trelawny, Jamaica. Despite their son’s unprecedented success, the couple remained deeply rooted in their community.
Wellesley leaves behind his children Usain, Sadiki, and Christine Bolt-Hylton—and a legacy of unwavering love, humility, and quiet strength.
A father, a mentor, a guiding light—his presence will be deeply missed.
