Jamaica to the World – Oblique Seville and Kishane Thompson.

Jamaica’s reputation as a global sprinting powerhouse has been built on decades of excellence, resilience, and raw talent.

From the electrifying sprints of Usain Bolt to the dominance of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the island has consistently produced world-class athletes.

Now, a new generation is stepping forward, and at the forefront are two rising stars: Oblique Seville and Kishane Thompson.

These two young men are not only poised to continue Jamaica’s legacy in athletics but are redefining the next era of sprinting.

The Rise of Oblique Seville

Oblique Seville, born in 2001, hails from the sprinting-rich parish of St. Ann, also home to the legendary Usain Bolt.

Seville emerged onto the international scene with a quiet intensity, steadily climbing the ranks of Jamaican sprinting under the guidance of renowned coach Glen Mills — the same mastermind behind Bolt’s historic career.

Seville first caught attention as a junior athlete, but it was in 2021, at the Tokyo Olympics, that the world began to take serious notice.

At just 20 years old, he reached the 100m final, finishing fourth behind some of the world’s most experienced sprinters.

While he didn’t secure a medal, his performance demonstrated exceptional poise and promise for the future.

In the years since, Seville has continued to improve, clocking sub-10-second times and maintaining consistency in both local and international meets.

At the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, he once again finished fourth in the men’s 100m final — a bittersweet outcome, but one that reaffirmed his place among the sport’s elite.

What sets Seville apart is his technical precision, explosive start, and mental toughness — all hallmarks of a future champion.

With his calm demeanor and laser focus, Oblique Seville represents the quiet storm of Jamaican sprinting: not loud, not boastful, but deadly serious and committed to excellence.

Kishane Thompson: The Silent Speedster

While Seville has been steadily building his profile, Kishane Thompson’s rise has been meteoric.

Largely unknown to casual fans before 2023, Thompson exploded onto the scene with one of the fastest 100m times of the season, running 9.91 seconds in his semi-final at the Jamaican National Trials — his first sub-10-second performance.

Born in 2001 as well, Thompson has taken a slightly different route in his development.

Coached by the legendary Stephen Francis at MVP Track Club — the same camp that produced Asafa Powell and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce — Thompson has long been considered a “secret weapon” by those in the know.

Injury setbacks in previous years delayed his breakout, but 2023 saw the full realization of his talent.

Thompson’s technique is a blend of power and grace.

He possesses a deceptively smooth stride that masks the sheer velocity at which he moves.

His ability to maintain top-end speed through the final 40 meters of a race is rare, even among elite sprinters.

After securing a spot on Jamaica’s World Championships team, he chose not to compete in the 100m in Budapest — a decision made in consultation with his coaching team to preserve his health and long-term career.

Even with limited international exposure, Thompson has quickly gained recognition as one of the top prospects in global sprinting.

His breakout performances have drawn comparisons to the early days of Bolt and Blake, with many expecting him to challenge for major titles in the years ahead.

A New Era for Jamaican Sprinting

With the retirement of Usain Bolt and the gradual winding down of Yohan Blake’s career, Jamaican fans have long awaited the next generation of male sprinters to carry the torch.

While the women’s side has remained dominant, thanks to Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, and Shericka Jackson, the men’s side has undergone a rebuilding phase.

Seville and Thompson now look primed to lead this resurgence.

Their rivalry — friendly, but fiercely competitive — is reminiscent of the golden era of Jamaican sprinting.

Together, they push each other to higher levels, and their presence ensures that Jamaica remains a formidable force on the world stage.

With the 2024 Paris Olympics on the horizon and the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo following, expectations are sky-high.

Yet beyond the medals and records, what makes Seville and Thompson truly special is their humility, discipline, and deep sense of national pride.

They embody the spirit of “likkle but tallawah” — the idea that although Jamaica is a small island, its people are mighty.

Jamaica to the World

Oblique Seville and Kishane Thompson are not just running races; they’re carrying a legacy.

Their every stride is a tribute to the greats who came before and a promise of what’s to come.

As they blaze down the track, the world watches — and Jamaica roars in pride.

From the streets of Spanish Town to the hills of St. Ann, from dusty school fields to global stadiums, the message is clear: Jamaica to the world. The sprint kings are back.