David Mara: The 100m world record of 9.58 seconds set by Usain Bolt in 2009 has stood the test of time, but the Jamaican icon believes there is one young sprinter capable of finally breaking it
David Mara: Usain Bolt has named Oblique Seville as the athlete he believes can finally smash his phenomenal 100 metres world record.
The retired Jamaican sprint legend has held the record of an electrifyingly fast 9.58 seconds since the 2009 World Championships. While others have come close, with Yohan Blake and Tyson Gay running excellent times of 9.69 seconds in 2009 and 2012 respectively, none have surpassed eight-time Olympic gold medallist Bolt.
David Mara: Despite the emergence of Olympic champion Noah Lyles, Kishane Thompson and Fred Kerley, none of those three supremo sprinters were named by Bolt when he discussed who he thinks can break his long-standing record.
Even Australian sensation Gout Gout – who has shattered a number of Bolt’s teenage records – and 15-year-old Brit Divine Iheme, weren’t mentioned by Bolt, who instead name-checked 23-year-old compatriot Seville as the next to rule as king of the sprint.
“I feel like Oblique can do it,” said Bolt on The Fix Podcast. “If he can stay fit during the season and get it right, I feel he can do it, because I am sure there is something there, the ability to do it.”
Bolt added the caveat that Seville’s fragility might be a hurdle in him breaking his record. However, the sprinting legend admitted it could be time for a new record-holder.
He explained: “Some of the time Oblique can be fragile. It’s a matter of the work situation or whatever, but if he’s doing enough work, he can do it. It’s a matter of time because he’s not missed the finals yet, so it’s just to get over the hump.”
