Seville ushers in new era for Jamaican sprinting

- Seville crossed the finish line in a personal best time of 9.77 seconds. (Getty Images)

- 

A vest torn apart in an outburst of elation. An ecstatic Usain Bolt celebrating in the crowd. A new era for Jamaican men's sprinting.

The significance of Bolt's presence - and evident emotional investment - was not lost on newly crowned world 100m champion Oblique Seville.

In converting his undeniable talent into gold in Tokyo, the 24-year-old became the first Jamaican man to win a global 100m title since his nation's long-retired icon last did so in Rio nine years ago.

Seville sought out the guidance of Bolt's former coach, Glen Mills, after being inspired by the eight-time Olympic champion as a child.

But, in turn, Seville has long been forced to shoulder the weight of expectation which has accompanied Jamaica's wait for Bolt's successor.

"It is just a tremendous feeling to compete in front of Usain here in Tokyo," Seville said.

“His coach is my coach and I know that both of them are very proud of me right now.

"They were [telling me that] I am going to be the world champion.

"I have proved, in front of him, that I am a champion and I am very proud of that.

"Now, more gold medals."

Seville narrowly missed out on the world podium two years ago when, aged 22, he matched silver medallist Letsile Tebogo's time but a photo finish ruled him to be four thousandths of a second short of the podium.

Then, in the fastest Olympic final in history at Paris 2024, he finished last in 9.91 - a time that would have been good enough for fourth at the Tokyo Games three years earlier.