Usain Bolt makes solemn promise to his mum Jennifer after laying his dad to rest

Usain Bolt and his parents at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing. Photo. Imago

Usain Bolt makes solemn promise to his mum Jennifer after laying his dad to rest

Funmilayo Fameso 23:37 - 07.05.2025

In just four words, Usain Bolt made a promise to his mum following his dad's funeral.

In the wake of his father's funeral, track legend Usain Bolt has made a solemn promise to his aged mum, Jennifer.

The world's fastest man in history lost his dad, Mr Wellesley Bolt, 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 at the Falmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church in Trelawny on Sunday, May 4.

Usain Bolt laid his dad to rest amid emotional scenes

During the funeral, Bolt paid tribute to his father with emotional words about how he taught him the value of respecting 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.”

Late Mr Wellesley Bolt // Photo - Imago

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

“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 sprint legend will later share an emotional photo on his social media pages with his mum at the funeral, writing a solemn promise as caption: "Mom I got you."

The late Mr Wellesley Bolt and his wife Jennifer, have often been credited for their son's career success as they played vital roles right from his high school years and carried out actions that kept him disciplined.

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