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On Sunday evening, the Jamaican sprinter achieved a milestone by emerging as the first Jamaican to win the 100-meter dash global championship after the legendary Usain Bolt. But, it turns out his mind is just as sharp as his blistering speed on the running surface.

Designing the Ideal Sprinter

When asked about how he would build the ultimate sprinter, the champion responded instantly. Instead of listing attributes from multiple runners, his reply was swift and unmistakable: “Usain.”

“No one has ever matched anyone like him,” stated Seville. “But I would combine his final part of the sprint and my start. Then you would create the flawless sprinter.”

Differing Opinions on Today’s Talent

However, the gold medalist disagrees with his idol’s perspective on one important topic. Recently, the retired champion claimed that the current generation of runners lacks the talent to run the 100m in under 9.7 seconds.

Seville, who ran a personal best of 9.77 seconds, disagreed.

“In my opinion it’s only a question of time before someone runs 9.6 seconds,” he commented. “I don’t think we are distant in this era. We need time. Because it’s important to remember it was the identical back then.

“No one was running 9.6 before Usain Bolt put his foot down in Beijing. So it’s on us today, as a new generation, to meet that level. To show that we can achieve the exact thing that Usain did.”

Contrasting Profiles, Same Coach

Both island-born sprinters could hardly be more different in build. Bolt stood 6ft 5in and tipped the scales at around 14 stone, while Seville is 5ft 6in and just 11st 6lb.

Seville additionally shared about his faith, saying he prepares for competitions by reading the Bible, which gives him “a lot of peace of mind.” The former titleholder, by contrast, had a very different routine.

Yet both men have the same coach: Glen Mills. According to Seville, Mills consistently believed that his protégé could emulate Bolt and rise as the quickest man in the world.

“I knew I was quick when I was young,” said Seville. “I competed against others bigger than me and I was extremely competitive. Thus I showed it early on.

“After I began working with my coach, he told me it would require a few years to get to the winner’s circle. And everything he says comes true. His guidance manifested for me and here I am as a gold medallist.”

Mental Toughness and Determination

After Bolt stepped away in 2017, the title of world champion has changed hands multiple times. Today, Seville hopes to retain it.

But, he acknowledges that remaining at the top won’t be easy.

“I have the mentality. But injuries are part of the sport,” Seville explained. “And because of my stature and build, I must not make any mistake. I have to make sure everything I do is on point.”

That identical mental strength helped him brush off mind games from rivals before the championship race.

“That didn’t bother me,” Seville remarked. “Since over the time, I understood that Noah is going to be Noah. So he’s going to talk.

“I appreciate that. It adds excitement for the sport. Perhaps it work on some athletes, though not me. I came to the global event for a single goal: to win the gold medal.”

And, he did just that.