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On Sunday evening, the Jamaican sprinter achieved a milestone by becoming the initial Jamaican to win the men’s 100m world title since the iconic Usain Bolt. But, it turns out his thinking is just as quick as his lightning-fast speed on the track.

Creating the Perfect Sprinter

When asked about how he would build the ultimate sprinter, the champion responded instantly. Instead of naming attributes from various athletes, his answer was swift and unmistakable: “Usain.”

“There’s never been anyone like him,” admitted Seville. “But I would combine his closing phase of the race and my start. Then you would create the perfect sprinter.”

Contrasting Views on Today’s Talent

Yet, the gold medalist does not share his idol’s view on one important topic. Recently, Bolt claimed that the current generation of runners does not possess the ability to achieve the 100m in 9.6 seconds.

The Tokyo winner, who clocked a career-fastest of 9.77 seconds, had a different opinion.

“In my opinion it’s just a question of time before an athlete runs 9.6 seconds,” he said. “It’s not that we are far off in this generation. We need time. Since it’s important to remember it was the same in the past.

“Nobody was running 9.6 until Usain Bolt made history in Beijing. Therefore it’s on us now, as a new generation, to meet that standard. To prove that we can do the same thing that Usain did.”

Contrasting Profiles, Same Mentor

Both island-born sprinters could hardly be more distinct in build. Bolt stood over 195cm and weighed around 14 stone, whereas Seville is 5ft 6in and only 11st 6lb.

Seville additionally spoke about his faith, saying he prepares for races by studying the scriptures, which gives him “great peace of mind.” The former titleholder, by contrast, was known for a very different approach.

Yet the two athletes have the same coach: Glen Mills. It was, Mills consistently believed that his protégé could emulate Bolt and become the fastest man in the world.

“I realised I was quick when I was young,” recalled Seville. “I was running against others bigger than me and I was extremely competitive. Thus I showed it early on.

“When I began working with my mentor, he told me it would require a some time to get to the winner’s circle. And whatever he predicts comes true. His words came true for me and here I am as a world champion.”

Mental Toughness and Determination

After Bolt retired in 2017, the title of world champion has been passed around several times. Now, the Jamaican hopes to hold onto it.

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

“I have the mindset. But injuries are part of the sport,” Seville explained. “Plus because of my height and build, I cannot make any mistake. I have to ensure each detail I do is on point.”

That same mental strength allowed him brush off psychological tactics from rivals before the championship race.

“That didn’t affect me,” Seville remarked. “Since over the years, I realised that Noah is will act like himself. And he’s going to talk.

“I appreciate that. It’s good for the sport. It might work on some athletes, but not me. I arrived to the global event for a single goal: to take the gold.”

Clearly, he did just that.