SPRINT legend Usain Bolt delivered a moving tribute to his late father, Wellesley Bolt, during an emotional funeral service on Sunday at the Falmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church, drawing a large turnout of mourners from across Jamaica’s political, sporting, and entertainment circles.
Bolt’s father, a respected businessman from Sherwood Content and former Coffee Board employee, passed away on March 31 after a prolonged illness.
The church was filled to capacity with family, friends, and well-wishers, with standing room only for many. Among those who came to pay their respects were Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Horace Chang, Minister of Sport Olivia Grange, former Prime Minister Bruce Golding, and former Minister of Sport Natalie Neita.

Also in attendance were Bolt’s longtime coach Glen Mills, agent Ricky Simms, manager Nugent Walker, physical therapist Everald Edwards, and athletes including Olympic champion Nesta Carter and cricket icon Chris Gayle.
In his tribute, Bolt remembered his father as a generous, disciplined, and hardworking man who helped shape the values that made him the world’s fastest man.
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Bolt recalled growing up watching his father run the family shop with authority and command respect from all, regardless of age.
“No matter how old you were, if you came in and misbehaved, he’d tell you to leave,” he said. “That’s how my dad was, and that’s how I’m trying to grow my kids—to respect, to understand, and to listen.”
He also credited his father with instilling in him the values of discipline and dedication that would become the foundation of his athletic success.
“Throughout my life, I’ve worked hard and dedicated myself—especially to track and field—to be the best I possibly can,” he said. “That’s one of the biggest lessons I learned from my dad: to work hard and be dedicated.”
Bolt described his father as a quiet provider who led by example.

“He never had to tell me anything,” he said. “I just watched him work hard and provide for us. I didn’t see him much when he was working with the Coffee Board—he’d be up early and home late—but I understood. My mom would say, ‘Your father is working hard to make sure you get everything you need. Not what you want—what you need.’ That’s something I always respected.”
Now a father himself, Bolt said he is striving to uphold the same values Wellesley lived by.
“Having my own kids now, I definitely want to live up to his character and be the best I possibly can be to them, just like he was to me,” he said.
Turning to his mother, Jennifer Bolt, who sat in the front pew, Bolt pledged to stand by her side.

“Mom, just know that I’m here for you—fully,” he said. “I’m not your husband, but I’m your child. You’re going to see more of me now than ever.”

The service, filled with tributes, hymns, and messages of support, served as a touching farewell to the man who helped shape not just a champion, but a global icon. Bolt, the eight-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, stood not as a superstar on Sunday, but as a son honouring the man who built the foundation of his greatness.(Sportsmax)