Usain Bolt Returns to Japan: A Celebration of Sprinting Legacy

Usain Bolt, the legendary Jamaican sprinter, is back in Japan—18 years after he first made waves at the World Championships in Osaka. This time, he’s not just a competitor but a spectator, eager to witness the next generation of Jamaican sprinters and to bid farewell to his fellow champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

A Historic Reunion

At 39, Bolt is enjoying his retirement, which began after the 2017 World Championships. He’s particularly excited about the upcoming men’s and women’s 100m finals at the Tokyo Olympic Stadium. “It feels surreal to be back,” Bolt shared. “Japan holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to see how our athletes perform.”

Jamaica’s Sprinting Future

Jamaica has long been a powerhouse in sprinting, and the current crop of athletes is no exception. Kishane Thompson, dubbed the world’s fastest man of 2025, and Oblique Seville are both poised to make their mark. Thompson, who led the 100m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, narrowly missed out on gold, finishing just five thousandths of a second behind Olympic champion Noah Lyles.

“Both of them are on a better path this year,” Bolt noted. “Kishane has learned from his experience, and Oblique has the experience to finally shine. It’s just their time.”

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: A Final Bow

Bolt’s excitement isn’t just for the men’s race; he’s equally thrilled to support Fraser-Pryce in her last competition before retirement. Like Bolt, she won her first global title at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. “There are no words to describe Shelly-Ann,” he said. “She’s shown that hard work and dedication pay off. I’m proud to have watched her journey from the juniors to now.”

Fraser-Pryce’s resilience, especially after returning to the sport post-motherhood, has inspired many. “Every time I see her compete, I think, maybe I should have continued a bit longer,” Bolt admitted with a chuckle. “She’s done so much for our sport.”

The Buzz in Jamaica

Back home, the excitement is palpable. Fans are buzzing about the potential for medals in both the men’s and women’s 100m events. “It’s been a while since we’ve had this kind of talent,” said local coach Marlon Edwards. “We’re all rooting for them to bring home gold.”

The streets of Kingston are alive with chatter about the upcoming races. “I can’t wait to see Kishane and Oblique,” said 12-year-old sprinting enthusiast, Jamal. “They’re going to make us proud!”

Looking Ahead

As Bolt prepares to cheer on his fellow athletes, the anticipation builds. Will Jamaica reclaim its sprinting glory? With a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talent, the stage is set for an electrifying showdown. As Bolt put it, “It’s a new era, and I’m excited to see what they’ll achieve.”

With the world watching, Jamaica’s sprinting legacy continues to evolve. What will the future hold for these young athletes? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the spirit of Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will always inspire the next generation.