Sprinting prodigy Nickecoy Bramwell, 16, has obliterated Usain Bolt’s long-standing under-17s 400m record at the Carifta Games in Grenada. The Jamaican legend set the previous record of 47.33 seconds back in 2002, a benchmark that stood unchallenged for over two decades until his fellow countryman Bramwell stormed through with a time of 47.26 seconds.

Despite contending with injuries, Bramwell delivered an astonishing performance, leaving his competitors in his wake; Kemron Mathlyn secured second place with a time of 47.96 seconds and Eagan Neely clinched third at 48.16 seconds.

Bramwell, overwhelmed by his achievement, expressed his elation: “It’s a wonderful feeling to break the record,” adding that he had been targeting this particular record since the previous summer. His strategy was simple yet effective: “I just took my mind off it and focused on the record.”

The young athlete’s feat has sent shockwaves through the sporting community, with fans quick to celebrate Jamaica’s continued dominance in sprinting. One fan exclaimed, “Yes!!! Glad another Jamaican is carrying on the baton. We are a force to be reckoned with.”

Another highlighted Bramwell’s potential, noting: “And he slowed up before the finish line. Imagine him run straight through.”

The accolades continued as others acknowledged the significance of his accomplishment, with comments like “Serious achievement!!” and an awestruck “Wow, wow, wow.”

The legendary Bolt, who still reigns as the fastest man ever with his 9.58-second 100m world record set in 2009, boasts an impressive tally of eight Olympic gold medals. He hung up his spikes in 2017 and has since been embracing family life and participating in charity football events like Soccer Aid, while also nurturing the next wave of athletic talent.

Reflecting on his post-retirement life last year, Bolt shared: “I spend my time doing a lot of family things, when it comes to track and field, not as much as I would want to but I still try and stay in touch with what is going on.”

Eager to contribute more to athletics, he expressed his willingness to collaborate with World Athletics: “I’m still waiting on a position from (World Athletics), I’ve reached out to them and let them know I would love to make a bigger impact in sports, as long as they want me to.”

Conversations are ongoing, as Bolt revealed: “We’ve been in talks but we’ll have to wait and see what comes around.”

Bolt acknowledged the dip in track and field’s profile following his departure: “After me, it kind of went down because of who I was as a person, and how big my personality was. But I think over time it will be better. I think young athletes are coming up and I see a few personalities that are needed in sport, hopefully in the upcoming years it will change.”

He concluded with hope for his role in the sport’s growth: “Hopefully I can play a part and help the sport to grow.”