“I want to achieve great things in 2025. I think I had expected to have gotten a medal, so, for next season, my aim is to be in the top three in everything that I am doing,” Oblique Seville said last December. “If I am able to get fit and up to standards, I know I will have no problems with competing,” he also mentioned. Notably, last season had its highlights—before reaching the men’s 100m final at the Paris Olympics, Seville consistently landed on the podium. Impressively, he was one of the few sprinters to beat Noah Lyles in the 100m—not just once, but twice. However, injuries cut his season short following the Olympic final. This year, though, he’s shown no signs of rust. At the JAAA National Senior Championships, he pulled off something remarkable– so close, yet slightly far…
According to earlier announcements, the top three finishers at the JAAA National Senior Championships were guaranteed spots at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. With that in mind, Oblique Seville was determined to deliver strong performances and stay in peak condition. He comfortably secured first place in Heat 2 of the men’s 100m. But the real challenge awaited him on Friday (June 27), when he lined up in the final against fierce competitors like Kishane Thompson and Ackeem Blake. And then.
In the men’s 100m final, Oblique Seville gave a tremendous performance, clocking 9.83 seconds to secure second place behind Kishane Thompson, who won with a time of 9.75 seconds. Ackeem Blake followed closely in third, finishing in 9.88 seconds. However, before the final, there were serious concerns about Seville’s participation as he appeared to be in significant pain due to hamstring issues. The discomfort was so intense that it cast doubt over whether he would even line up. Fortunately, his masseuse stepped in to assist just in time.
TALK ABOUT DETERMINATION!!!
After appearing in severe discomfort and not 100% sure if he’d even race, Oblique Seville powered through to finish second in the men’s 100m final at the JAAA Championships. pic.twitter.com/BPx4zU8Aqs
— Owen (@_OwenM_) June 28, 2025
After a careful assessment and some stretching, Oblique Seville managed to get back on his feet. Yet, moments before the final, he was seen in tears while in the starting blocks. Despite the pain, the 24-year-old refused to step aside—he raced and pushed Kishane Thompson all the way, ultimately finishing second. It’s hard not to wonder: what might have happened if Seville had been at full strength? Would the battle for the title have been even fiercer? We’ll never know for sure. But one thing is clear—his potential is immense. Even Usain Bolt believes in him and has shared his thoughts on what “big things” lie ahead for Seville.
Oblique Seville can pose greater challenges
Oblique Seville has earned something few can claim—a personal endorsement from the greatest sprinter of all time, Usain Bolt. But while that stamp of approval carries weight, Seville knows the real work lies ahead. To reach the milestones set before him, staying physically fit isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Back in February, Bolt didn’t mince words when he said Seville was the one who could lead Jamaica back to dominance in men’s sprinting. That’s a bold claim, especially considering Seville’s slightly younger teammate Kishane Thompson took silver in Paris behind Noah Lyles. But Bolt remained firm on The Fix podcast: “Oblique can do it,” Bolt stated on The Fix podcast, ignoring Kishane. “If he can stay fit through the season and get it right, he can do it because I’m sure there’s something there, the ability to do it.”
Paris 2024 Olympics – Athletics – Men’s 100m Round 1 – Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France – August 03, 2024. Oblique Seville of Jamaica reacts after taking first place in heat 4 REUTERS/Alina Smutko
And if anyone knows what greatness looks like, it’s Bolt. Interestingly, Seville is coached by Bolt’s own former mentor, Glen Mills—yet the two sprinters couldn’t be more different physically. However, what he may lack in height, he makes up for in grit. Seville himself isn’t shy about where he stands. “I know I have a lot of improvements to make,” he admitted. “I know I am lacking a lot of strength work compared to other athletes. Running 9.81, knowing my body is not fully developed, shows I have a lot more to improve on, technically, strength-wise and the list goes on.” The hunger is there. The talent is undeniable. Now, it’s all about staying healthy and unlocking that next level.
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