HAVING clocked a massive personal best of 20.17 seconds in the 200m at Velocity Fest 14 on Saturday, Jamaica’s rising sprint star Oblique Seville has set his sights on dipping below the 20-second barrier.

Seville, coached by the legendary Glen Mills at Racers Track Club, celebrated his 23rd birthday on Saturday by stunning the small crowd inside the National Stadium with his athleticism and speed, racing to a comfortable victory in the event.

His time erased his previous best of 20.68 which was set in 2019, also on his birthday.

Seville’s Racers teammate, Zharnel Hughes from Great Britain, placed second overall with a time of 20.40, while third went to Ackeem Blake of Dynamics Track Club with a personal effort of 20.45.

Seville told the
Jamaica Observer he was very elated with his performance, especially given that it occurred on his birthday.

“It was a tremendous performance because the last time I ran a personal best was in 2019 — and it was actually on my birthday — so coming out here again and running a 200-metre [race] on my birthday and giving myself a personal best is a good feeling,” said Seville.

“This is the only gift that could be asked for on my birthday — and to be honest, I thought the time would be around 20.5 — but to run 20.17 is something special for me and I think that is a good time. I think that, based on where I am in training, I still have a lot to improve on and I am working towards that improvement at the moment.”

Seville said he is much fitter now compared to when he was at a similar stage of preparation last season. He expressed confidence that he can go much faster in the 200m this season if the time allows him to do so and if his coach decides he should compete over the distance at the national championships in the summer.

“Of course I can run a lot faster because I am coached by the greatest coach in the world, so anything is possible,” Seville asserted. “Of course I can run a sub-20 but I am not sure if my schedule is going to allow me to run more 200 metres, but it depends on what the coach says.”

“I think this shows what I can do in the 100 metres in terms of strength and speed endurance so it is a good look for me. My preparations have been good because I am healthier this season; last season I had a few niggles and wear and tear [but] I am in good shape [now],” he emphasised.

— Robert Bailey