His Legacy - Olympic legend Usain Bolt takes comfort in his children after father's funeral

Usain Bolt and his daughter Olympia. Photo Credit - @usainbolt via X

His Legacy - Olympic legend Usain Bolt takes comfort in his children after father's funeral

Funmilayo Fameso 20:50 - 07.05.2025

Jamaican track legend Usain Bolt took solace in his family as his father's legacy amid emotional scenes at Mr Wellesley Bolt's funeral.

Mourning the death of his father, Wellesley 'Gideon' Bolt, Olympic legend Usain Bolt found comfort in his children after the funeral at the Falmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church in Trelawny on Sunday, May 4.

The world's fastest man in history lost his dad on March 31 at age 68 after a prolonged illness, and was finally laid to rest amid emotional scenes as tributes poured out from relatives and well-wishers.

Usain Bolt laid his dad to rest amid emotional scenes

Bolt took to his social media pages to share pictures of his children, Olympia Lightning, Saint Leo, and Thunder Bolt, and his partner Kassi Bennett, which he captioned: "Legacy."

During the funeral, the sprint legend paid tribute to his father with emotional words on how he taught him the value of respect for others.

“When it comes to respect, anyone who knows me knows that I am very respectful … that is one of the biggest lessons I learnt from my dad. No one could go in his shop and behave bad; and no matter how old you were, he would tell you to get out of the shop, and stand outside, because if you have no respect, you cannot come in there,” Bolt recounted. “That is how my dad was, and that is how I am trying to grow my kids.”

Usain Bolt and his dad Wellesley at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing

Until his death, Mr Wellesley Bolt operated a grocery shop in their home community of Sherwood Content, Trelawny, for 15 years up to 2017. He later managed a local grocery store with his wife, Jennifer, providing for their family in a community with limited resources like running water and paved roads.

Bolt also recalled how his father's parenting style was strict but ultimately loving, demonstrated kindness to anyone who came seeking assistance from him.

Late Wellesley Bolt. Photo. Imago

“My father was tough on me, but I know he always wanted the best for me. I love my dad, and he was a very kind person… he was a very giving person, and as we talk about the shop, that shop cost me a lot of money, because all he did was give,” said Bolt. “No matter what or who it was, anybody from Sherwood Content can tell you that they could always go to him and say, ‘Mr Bolt, I’ll pay you tomorrow,’ and he would give to them.”

The Late Mr Wellesley Bolt has often been credited for his son's career success as he played vital roles right from his high school years and carried out actions to keep him disciplined.

Tags: