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On Sunday evening, the Jamaican sprinter made history by emerging as the initial Jamaican to claim the men’s 100m world title after the iconic Usain Bolt. However, it appears his mind is just as quick as his lightning-fast pace on the track.

Designing the Ideal Sprinter

When asked about how he would design the perfect sprinter, Seville responded instantly. Rather than naming attributes from multiple runners, his reply was swift and unmistakable: “Bolt.”

“No one has ever matched anyone such as him,” admitted Seville. “But I would combine his closing phase of the race and my start. Then you would create the flawless sprinter.”

Contrasting Views on Current Athletes

Yet, the gold medalist does not share his idol’s perspective on one key issue. Recently, the retired champion stated that the present era of sprinters lacks the ability to achieve the 100m in 9.6 seconds.

Seville, who ran a personal best of 9.77 seconds, had a different opinion.

“I believe it’s only a question of time before an athlete runs 9.6 seconds,” he said. “I don’t think we are distant in this generation. It just takes time. Since you have to understand it was the identical in the past.

“Nobody was running 9.6 until Usain Bolt made history in Beijing. Therefore it’s up to us today, as a rising generation, to match that level. To prove that we can achieve the exact thing as Usain did.”

Contrasting Backgrounds, Same Mentor

The two island-born athletes could hardly be more different in stature. Bolt measured over 195cm and tipped the scales at approximately 14 stone, while Seville is 5ft 6in and only 11st 6lb.

Seville also shared about his faith, noting he prepares for competitions by studying the Bible, which gives him “great peace of mind.” Bolt, on the other hand, was known for a completely different routine.

But the two men have the identical trainer: Glen Mills. It was, Mills always believed that Seville could emulate Bolt and rise as the quickest man on Earth.

“I realised I was quick when I was young,” said Seville. “I was running against others larger than me and I was very competitive. Thus I demonstrated it at a young age.

“After I started training under my mentor, he said it would require a some time to make it to the podium. But everything he says happens. His words came true for me and now I stand as a gold medallist.”

Psychological Toughness and Determination

After Bolt retired in 2017, the crown of world champion has changed hands several times. Today, Seville hopes to hold onto it.

However, he acknowledges that staying at the peak is not easy.

“I possess the mentality. But injuries are part of the sport,” Seville explained. “Plus due to my stature and build, I cannot make any mistake. I have to ensure everything I do is on point.”

This same fortitude allowed him ignore psychological tactics from competitors before the championship race.

“It doesn’t bother me,” he said. “Since over the years, I understood that Noah is will act like Noah. And he’s will talk.

“I respect that. It adds excitement for the sport. It might affect on other athletes, but not me. I came to the world championship for one purpose: to take the gold.”

And, he succeeded.