🔗 Share this article

On Sunday evening, the Jamaican sprinter made history by becoming the initial athlete from Jamaica to win the 100-meter dash world title after the iconic Usain Bolt. But, it appears his mind is just as sharp as his lightning-fast pace on the running surface.

Designing the Ideal Sprinter

During an interview about how he would build the perfect sprinter, the champion responded instantly. Rather than listing qualities from various athletes, his answer was immediate and unmistakable: “Bolt.”

“There’s never been anyone like him,” stated Seville. “But I would take his closing phase of the sprint and my acceleration. Then you would create the flawless sprinter.”

Contrasting Views on Current Talent

However, Seville disagrees with his hero’s perspective on one important topic. Earlier this week, the retired champion stated that the present era of runners lacks the ability to achieve the 100m in 9.6 seconds.

Seville, who clocked a personal best of 9.77 seconds, had a different opinion.

“In my opinion it’s just a matter of time before an athlete runs 9.6 seconds,” he said. “I don’t think we are far off in this generation. We need time. Because it’s important to remember it was the identical in the past.

“Nobody was running 9.6 until Usain Bolt made history in Beijing. So it’s on us now, as a new generation, to match that level. To prove that we can do the same thing that Usain did.”

Different Backgrounds, Same Coach

Both Jamaican athletes are vastly more different in build. Bolt measured over 195cm and tipped the scales at approximately 14 stone, whereas Seville is 5ft 6in and just 11st 6lb.

The new champion additionally spoke about his beliefs, saying he gets ready for competitions by studying the Bible, which provides him “great peace of mind.” Bolt, on the other hand, had a very different approach.

But the two athletes share the same trainer: Glen Mills. It was, Mills consistently was confident that Seville could emulate Bolt and become the quickest man on Earth.

“I knew I was quick when I was six,” said Seville. “I was running against kids bigger than me and I was extremely competitive. So I demonstrated it at a young age.

“After I began working with my coach, he told me it would require a few years to make it to the winner’s circle. And everything he predicts comes true. His guidance came true for me and here I am as a world champion.”

Mental Toughness and Focus

After Bolt stepped away in 2017, the crown of world champion has changed hands several times. Today, Seville aims to hold onto it.

However, he admits that staying at the top won’t be easy.

“I have the mindset. But setbacks are part of the sport,” he stated. “And because of my height and build, I cannot make any mistake. I have to make sure each detail I do is on point.”

That identical fortitude helped him brush off mind games from competitors ahead of the final.

“That didn’t affect me,” Seville remarked. “Since over the time, I realised that Lyles is going to be himself. And he’s going to talk.

“I appreciate that. It adds excitement for the sport. It might work on some athletes, though not me. I arrived to the world championship for a single purpose: to take the gold.”

Clearly, he succeeded.