He is 21 years old, but he has the face, body and demeanour of a 16 year old. Oblique Seville is my 'baby' on the track, but I suspect I won't be calling him baby for much longer as we know the possibilities in the gentle and genius hands of Coach Glen Mills.
At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, the former Calabar High athlete went viral in a video featuring Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce using his head to style one of her signature brightly coloured wigs as she prepared for her 100m final. He was a great sport and it was hilarious!
Flash forward to 2022 and young Seville bursts onto the track clocking sub-10s in the 100m. His personal best is 9.86. Alas! Dashed hopes of dominance in the male sprints are reignited. Although denied the national title by an experienced Yohan Blake, Seville still lit the track with his infectious smile.
Proving that the race is not for the swift, he becomes the only Jamaican to make the 100m finals at the 2022 World Championships now in Eugene, Oregon. A flash time of 9.97 lands him in 4th place behind 3 powerful and experienced Americans. It's a clean sweep that has come back to haunt us after years of black, green and gold dominance. Still, Jamaicans have embraced this 4th place finish like a medal. Humbled, yet proud.
I am excited to watch "Baby Seville" grow into stardom as that's exactly where he is headed. In some ways, he reminds me of Usain Bolt. His spirit is light, warm and infectious. His head is in the right place. Add some speed and power and that's a recipe for greatness.
Meanwhile, I wonder what colour wig Shelly-Ann will wear for tonight's 100m final and if Seville will once again lend his head for its styling. This time, having completed his own final. The purple hair is all the rave and we are hair for it. Greys, baby hair and all! Perhaps the magical hands of "Mommy Rocket" may play a role in the transference of greatness in the sprint factory that is Jamaica. It might just give him the rocket start he needs.
I strongly believe our men are making a comeback. Rome wasn't built in a day. I have my eyes on young Ackeem Blake who didn't make the finals. I don't know what happened with senior Blake in the semis, but as always, respect due! He is still the joint second fastest man of all time and that's no small feat from a World Champion's feet. Whatever happens, I will be here with Oblique, Ackeem and others until we make it to the top of that podium again, not long from now.
A confident and composed Hansle Parchment goes for glory in the 110m hurdles up against a hungry bunch. Parchment gave us something to smile about in Tokyo with a magnificent golden run when many had given up on our men. He may do it again. I admire his sportsmanship, always taking the time to greet his competitors.
An early Sunday dinner preparation beckons, as I will not miss any of the track action today. I would love to see Kemba Nelson join Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann in the 100m finals. What a race! Clean sweep anyone? That's what's being served for dessert.
'Tis my silly season. Oh how I love track and field!
I Am Suzette Campbell
Note: Originally published on July 17, 2022
Comentários