16-year-old prodigy breaks Usain Bolt’s long-standing record

Jamaican sprinter Nickecoy Bramwell, 16, shattered Usain Bolt’s U-17 record in the 400-metre race at the 51st Carifta Games held on March 30.

Bramwell, a student at Calabar High School in Kingston, defied all odds, leaving Bolt’s 22-year-old record of 47.33 seconds in the dust with a stunning time of 47.26 seconds.

This performance secured Bramwell not only the gold medal but also a new world record in his age category.

The young athlete faced stiff competition from Grenada’s Kemron Mathlyn, who finished second with a time of 47.96 seconds. Eagan Neely of the Bahamas rounded out the podium, bagging the bronze medal with a time of 48.16 seconds.

Bramwell’s triumph is particularly remarkable considering his recent injury troubles. He battled through a nagging hamstring injury that cast a shadow over his participation in the Carifta Games, let alone a potential victory.

A lacklustre performance at the ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Competition further fueled concerns about his readiness. However, Bramwell defied expectations, showcasing exceptional talent and resilience on the biggest stage.