Oblique Seville made a low-key return to Jamaica on Wednesday, arriving quietly at Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston. However, the Jamaican’s recent global title speaks volumes and he’s now embracing the reputation of the island’s newest golden boy.

The 24-year-old sprinter created history at the recently World Athletics Championships in Tokyo when he sped to a personal best 9.77 seconds to win the 100m and end his three-year individual medal drought at a major global championships.

Despite the noticeable absence of fanfare at NMIA, Seville can be regarded as the pride of the nation having secured Jamaica’s sole gold medal at the championships. It’s a feat that he’s not taking for granted.

“It does make me feel special because I am the only gold medalist and I actually [went] out there and literally did my best,” he said. “There was a lot going on throughout the championship but I [remained] steadfast and held my focus and came out victorious.”

The last time Jamaica could boast about a 100m champion was the inimitable Usain Bolt who won consecutive titles at the 2015 World Championships and the 2016 Olympic Games.

Seville says he’s happy not just to write his name in the history books but usher in a new chapter for Jamaican athletics.

“It’s a great feeling because the last time Jamaica has gotten a gold medal [in the event] was 2016 and 2015 at the World Championships so it’s an elated feeling knowing that we actually break that curse and to start the new era of Jamaica sprinting,” he said.

Although still taking the time to soak in the achievement, Seville has already set his eyes on going further.

“Physically, yes [I can go faster]. I was always having injuries over and over and it was just unfortunate for me and caught me at the wrong time. But if I’m injury-free straight through, I’m not coming off the medal podium, for sure,” he explained.

— Daniel Blake

Jamaica’s Oblique Seville reacts to winning the men’s 100m final race during the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, on September 14, 2025. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

SEVILLE… there was a lot going on throughout the championship but I [remained] steadfast and held my focus and came out victorious (Photo: Naphtali Junior)