Wellesley Bolt, the daddy of Jamaican monitor icon Usain Bolt, has died.
Based on the Jamaica Observer, he handed away on Monday after a prolonged sickness. He was 68 years previous.
A faithful father, Wellesley was usually seen alongside his spouse, Jennifer, within the stands as they cheered on their son throughout his rise to international stardom. He performed a significant position in Usain’s adolescence and was a continuing supply of encouragement.
The Bolt household hails from Sherwood Content material in Trelawny, the place Wellesley operated a grocery store and was an lively member of the neighborhood. Along with Usain, Wellesley had two different youngsters, Sherine and Sadiki, often known as Sada Bolt.
In a current interview on Wayne Marshall’s “The Reduce,” Usain defined that he was the center baby, just a few months older than his youthful brother. He defined that though Sada’s mom didn’t stay in Trelawny when he was youthful, he would repeatedly go to Wellesley and the Bolt household throughout the summertime as a toddler.
– Commercial –
Usain additionally spoke about his father’s love of cricket, which additionally drew him to the game as a toddler. He stated televised cricket matches have been a bonding exercise for him and his father.
Usain finally took an curiosity in monitor and subject upon entry to William Knibb Memorial Excessive Faculty. He stated whereas he was good at monitor, cricket was nonetheless his ardour. It was his father who urged him to take monitor and subject extra significantly.
”The coach begin complain to my father say me nah come coaching. However after some time, my father come and clarify to me that’s working I’ve to do trigger an excessive amount of politics inna cricket. Him watch the sport so him know and perceive how issues run,” he stated. Usain stated his father additionally at all times inspired him to concentrate on his schooling.
In 2018, Wellesley was baptized, fulfilling a long-held want of Jennifer, who had expressed pleasure in his embrace of Christianity.
Prime Minister Holness sends condolences to the Bolt household
Prime Minister Andrew Holness was amongst scores of public figures who despatched condolences to Usain and your complete Bolt household, following the information.
“I be a part of with each Jamaican in extending my deepest and most honest condolences to @usainbolt, his beloved mom Mrs. Jennifer Bolt, and your complete Bolt household, following the passing of their patriarch, Mr. Wellesley Bolt,” he wrote on social media.
“Mr. Bolt was the daddy of a world icon, and a robust, quiet pressure behind one in every of Jamaica’s best sons. His presence, assist, and steerage helped to form a legacy that continues to encourage the world. Usain, we’ve all witnessed the deep love and respect you’ve at all times proven for your loved ones. You celebrated them with delight, and in doing so, you reminded us of the significance of household in our personal lives. As you grieve this nice loss, the prayers and assist of a complete nation are with you. We mourn with you, we stand with you, and we honour the reminiscence of your father alongside you.”
His passing is a major loss to his household and the broader neighborhood.
